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prices ranging from 30 to 250 dolls. specie each. I found about 40 lots leased to them for building purposes generally for a term of five years with the privilege of buying at the expiration of that time. Three churches have been erected by them with very little or no assistance from the whites at and average cost of about 500 dolls specie each, since the occupation of Texas by our Troops.

These facts in my judgement speak well for the steadiness and industry of the Freedpeople.

There is a growing demand from the country for cotton pickers and the influence of the Bureau in this place has been brought to bear upon all who lack employment, to get them to go to the country and many are leaving the city.

A branch of the Freedmen's "Savings and Trust Company" has been established in Houston. Although the deposits as yet have not been large, still there is every reason to expect that this institution will ultimately be of great benefit. It will take time to wear