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laborers have hired out by the day or by the month. I send you enclosed a form of Contract prepared by the officer who organized the Freedmen's Bureau in the State of North Carolina.

Instead of wages in cash, it was [[strikethrough]] in perhaps [[/strikethrough]] agreed by many planters to give a share of the crops raised - one fourth or one third of cotton and one half of corn besides furnishing quarters & rations. The monthly rates of wages in cash have varied widely ranging from $5 to $25 for men & from $3 to $18 for women & boys. The average pay for the six years of free labor has been not far from $12 per month for men, and $8 per month for women & boys.

The Census tables now in preparation by Gen. F.A. Walker Supt of Census Bureau will furnish more detailed [[strikethrough]] infor [[/strikethrough]] statistics. If I have omitted anything I shall be happy to answer as far as I am able any questions that you or Mr. Bille may propound.

Very Respy, Your Obt. Servt. O.O.H.