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28. 29 414# Bureau Refugees Freedmen and A.L. Office Sub Asst Commr. Columbus Miss July 31. 1867 [[Left Margin]]Preston[[/Left Margin]] Major A.W. A.A.A.Genl Bu R.F.and A.L. Vicksburg Miss. Major I have the honor to make the following statement in behalf of David Durer, Jake Pearce, and Handy Fox freedmen, representing the desires and wishes of some fifty or sixty freedmen engaged upon various plantations They state that it has been and still is the custom of the Planters, after the crop is gathered, to take the freedmens portion of the Cotton and dispose of it as they see fit, in many instances taking it by force. That last year when cotton was worth 40¢ per pound, the planters would allow them but 20¢ per pound telling them that, that was all they received for it. That the planters refuse to deliver it over to them, so that they may dispose of it themselves, which they deem a right which should not be taken from them. They further represent that in the division of cotton, they have no opportunity offered to them to see that the division is fair and just, but that they have reason to believe that in nearly every instance they are defrauded in the quantity which is due them They ask that some rule may be established by which fairness in the division of the crop between they and the planter may be had, and suggest that the planters be compelled at the time of making the division to file in the office of the Sub Commissioner of each district a statement under oath of the number of pounds of cotton raised, the number of laborers employed, the proportion of the crop due each squad and the amount actually given them. Also that the planters be compelled to deliver to the freedmen their portion of the cotton bailed, without any hindrance or delay, and that they may have the sole disposal of the same and the right to take advantage of any advance in the market. From personal knowledge I am aware that the planters take many advantages of the freedmen in the above manner, and I believe them competent if left to their own volition in the disposal of their portion of the crops, to realize more money than they do by the present system. I would respectfully ask your consideration of the above and that instructions may be furnished this office in the premises. I am Major Very Respectfully Your Obd't Servant George S. Smith Capt V.R.C. Bt Major Sub Asst Commr 415# Bureau Refugees Freedmen and A.L. Office Sub Asst Commr. Columbus Miss July 31. 1867 [[Left Margin]][[?]]ford[[/Left Margin]] Mr Frank. D. Late Agent Bureau Aberdeen Monroe Co Miss Sir I send you here with pr Express Eighty Dollars $80.00 for Services. Please acknowledge receipt. Respectfully Your Obd't Servant George S. Smith Capt V.R.C. Bt Major Sub Asst Commr
