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wages, but more generally for a share in the crop — the general price being board, quarters, fuel, such medical attention as a plantation generally furnishes (for themselves and rightful dependents) and one=third of the crop. For such contracts the blanks furnished are useless. Is it the intention to make any charge for the filing of contracts? I have received no such instructions and have refused tenders of money
I desire very much to see you. I have had as you might say no instructions. I have had no conversation with you upon this subject. I was simply told to do as was right and proper. This I have done to the best of my ability, but I lack that faith in myself that a conversation with you would give. That I have already been of service to black and white, I know, both in general and individual cases. When I first came here labor was rampant, and capital was just about as bad. The negroes had all left their old homes, and were refusing to make contracts for the new year with any person. They were waiting for a division of property. I have endeavored to disabuse their minds by talking to them both in public and private. Last Sunday I read to about a thousand of them your address defining their rights, and Gen'l Fullertons address to the Freedmen of Louisiana. I then talked