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Isle of Wight Co. Va. Decr 5 1865
Col. Brown, F.B. Richmond Va
Dear Sir,
I see from some recent published orders of yours that it is your wish that the agent of the Bureau of each County in the state visit the respective plantations for the purpose of organizing the labour for another year; & that the Commissioner recommended by Genl Howard is appointed. In the adjoining Counties of Surry & Sussex their orders are being complied with to the great satisfaction of the Community. But in this County there is no P. Marshal & every thing is in a disorganized condition. We have elected our Commissioner & are proposed & willing to second the Bureau in carrying out its wishes. We have ample labour if we could command it & are willing to pay a fair compensation for it; but the negroes will not work unless they are forced to do so. The love of reward is not a sufficient inducement. An organized system of forced labour must be adopted, if the agricultural interest is to be sustained. Some of the negroes are asking such high prices that the farmers are unable to pay it; & those that pretend to work will not confine themselves half their time. I have understood that there is an agent in Suffolk whose duties extend to this county, but he has never been in this county that I have heard of.
Your agents in many instances do not attend to their duties.
Most respectfully
M.Q. Holt
P.S. I have been appointed Commissioner to act for the white man. My P.O. is Smithfield Va.

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