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freedmen were the ones who made the loudest complaints of unfair and cruel treatment. The great mass of freed people employed in the Department were perfectly well satisfied & contented and had few complaints to make. I learned that $1.00 to $1.25 pr. cord was paid for chopping wood & from 10$ to 15$ pr. month for first class field labor. The price paid for labor varied throughout the Valley. I found no district where the wages allowed was not a reasonable & fair compensation for work performed. The freedmen were never compelled to take their wages in goods from the stores. Many of them would trade to full amount of wages if permitted to do so, & they would frequently be disappointed at the end of the quarter, upon settlement to find but little money coming to them.

As to the Fifth Charge.

In order to answer this charge it will be necessary to give a brief history of the Medical Department in the Valley, which history I obtained from Surgeon McCord Medical Inspector of the Department, and which I am well satisfied is correct from my own investigations, and from a careful inspection of the hospitals and a thorough examination of records & orders.

It is claimed by certain parties that Surgeons, Hospital Stewards & Attachees were not paid; that comfortable quarters, medicines & hospital supplies were not provided & that the sick and helpless were neglected generally.