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any and all business brought before me from either, Acting under these instructions, I have approved quite a number of contracts, presented by citizens of Oglethorpe Co., which I purpose keeping and returning distinctly & seperately, from the business of this County, to the end that no confusion may arise.
For the last 3 weeks I have bent every energy, and given my whole time to advancing the general interest of the "Freedmen" Within my jurisdiction and the surrounding Section. At first I met with much opposition, and with but little encouragement from either White or Black, the Negro seemed resolved and obstinate, & the former indifferent and careless, and full of evil forebodings, and underlying both classes, their seemed to pervade a general and mutual distrust, but little good feeling between the Employer & the Employees. "my task was uninviteing" I though not hopeless, "I went to work. In many places whenever I could find or get a crowd of the Freedmen together. I made it in every instance convenient to give them a "little talk" in a short time, I was thoroughly crowded out with them, they came for miles around to see and to hear for themselves. They always went away if not rejoiceing at least better informed, I dealt mildly yet firmly with them, I never deceived one, and they all soon learned to believe me, and I do not know of a single instance when one has failed to conform to any "Official Order given him, in my jurisdiction, I have had but few complaints. only 3 or 4 to punish for theft &c

Transcription Notes:
10.4.2022 - Transcribed per guidelines (spelling transcribed as is) and marking for review