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19

The general condition of the freedmen is fair; they are scattered over the county, nowhere grouping into villages, and lead a very quiet life - this dispersion weakens public sentiment. They are very distrustful of the whites, are unwilling to make long contracts with them, and are constantly on guard against intrusions upon their rights.

They, in common with all the freedmen of my district, have not learned the importance of definite contracts, and many - the majority - are working upon indefinite terms, and are certain to get into trouble with the whites about the division of the crops; there is very little money in the county, and most are working upon shares. Those who treat them well, make no complaint of their labor, and consider it, at the present rate of wages, profitable to employ colored help.

The freedmen and the poorer whites are much opposed to each other. I have heard this class of whites express the most unjust and abusive sentiments regarding the freedmen, quite at variance with those of the better class.

I do not think it likely that the civil courts of this county will render full justice to freedmen