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536

August 13th

Sir:

Enclosed please find Contract between L. A. Purvis and F. A. Hill and certain freed-people which was recd at this Office with your com' of 9th inst.  By direction of the Asst Com'r the decision of E. F. Kirksey is approved and confirmed.  The Contract does not allow the freedpeople whose names are attached thereto a fair compensation for their labor.  That portion of the Contract specifying certain of the freed-people who are to receive clothing in part payment for their labor is rendered "null & void"  from the simple fact that an after clause states that all necessary clothing shall be furnished at retail prices.  Furthermore:  it is not agreed that this clothing shall be furnished these freed-people in addition to their monthly wages, nor is even the amount of such