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and Lieut. O'Brien on assuming command found a large number of freedmen, supported by the Government and doing but little to help themselves. He at once set about organizing all who were able to labor, into working parties, and preparing to plant a large crop this year. Part of the time during the winter the river was blockaded with ice and great exertions were demanded to get supplies in time to prevent suffering among the people. Two practical farmers were engaged to exercise a general supervision over the Sand Gates and Coles Creek farms, and Sotheron farm has been under the personal supervision of Lieut O'Brien

At this time the crops look well, and it late enough in the season to calculate with a tolerable degree of certainty that they will yield according to the present promise. During a trip of 180 miles through St Mary's