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Bastrop Texas
Feb 5 1867


Lieut J.T. Kirkman
A.A.A.G.
Sir

I have the honor to make the following report in regard to my Office for the month of January 1867. During the past month my time has been  occupied in examining contracts, and in making a settlement of the last year's crop.

I am pleased to be able to state that the Planters generally have showed a disposition to make a fair settlement with their freedmen in fact the more intelligent Planters begin to see that it is to their interest to treat their Freedmen well and that they have as much money as possible at the end of the year, those that have treated their freedmen badly during the past year have found that it will not pay, as they may be obliged to allow their lands to be idle for want of help. I am fully satisfied

Transcription Notes:
"Planter" is what the owner of the plantation (and former owner of slaves) is called in these old documents. They don't call them owners.