Viewing page 58 of 279

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

sauntering along, until finally stopped on account of my not being paid.
When arrangements were made I was again (on the 15th of September 1869) called to the work and made to believe that I should have the materials in proper time. This time however I had more disadvantages to contend with. The busy season of the year had set in, hands I had ingaged in the spring were working for other men, and some I was unable to to get back; their places had to be supplied with slower hands at higher wages. One of my old hands who I would do well without I paid fifty cents per day more wages for. At first I had hands who had worked frequently for me and upon whom I could depend but when I went the second time to the building, but indifferent hands were found, who wanted employment; it became necessary that I should take such and do the best I could; so that in some instances where the work was not well finished I had to pay for going over it again.
Failing to meet engagements with laborers, and being subject to little suits in court; has a demoralizing tendency. In this instance some of the freedmen employed here resorted to trickery and to get money, and I fear that some have sold their claim at a discount, thus, those (the class) we seek to benefit suffer wrong at our hands. I hope that some steps will be early taken to bring this matter to an amicable termination.
I have General the honor to be your humbly servant
John Page

Transcription Notes:
removed *up arrow- Please read instructions on how to transcribe insertions in the text