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835 Oct 1st Sir Your communication of 19th inst enclosing statement of settlement between E. S. Tomlinson and his hands, in which it is shown that the latter are indebted to their employer to the amount of two hundred & thirty five dollars, has been received. The Asst Commissioner directs me to say that, Mr Tomlinson must take the same action on this case as though the people were white. If white men cannot be held to labor for debt incurred under contract neither can the freedmen be held to such labor. Respectfully Your Obt Servant T. F. Forbes Lieut & A.A.A.G. S. B. Pearce, Esqr Agent Bureau RF&AL Van Wert Polk Co Ga