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feeling towards loyal whites, and refugees however is, in both counties, bitter.

In Matthews County there is strong and general complaint against the taxes: on the 24th inst I submitted papers in the matter of these taxes with remarks. It seems clear that freedmen and refugees are expected to pay for the services of magistrates under the Confederate government, I am told there is the same difficulty in Gloucester Co. 

There are no schools in Matthews; in Gloucester two independent schools have been established, which I have not visited; they are described in my Report in compliance with Letter from your office dated April 17th; I owe my information regarding them to Mr Hawkins of Rippon Hall, when in Gloucester I made repeated inquiries but could not learn of any schools whatever.

The feeling towards freedmen's schools is, at best, negative, they would be tolerated, a few whites would appreciate them, but not one would openly denounce the man who should oppose them. Public opinion in this division is, I think, improving as to the various aspects of the negro question. 

A school is needed and fully provided for in the lower part of Matthews County on Hicks

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