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At Harrisburg and other points in the Valley between Staunton and Winchester the freedpeople have, as is often the case, congregated in too great numbers, while complaints by the white farmers are made that there is not enough labor for the farms.  A chief cause of this is, as elsewhere, the very low rate of wages, given to farm hands, being no more than $10. per month for an able bodied man- which leads the people to towns in hope of less severe but better paid employment.  The objection to this is that the employment is occasional and precarious, and the remedy will be in more liberality on the part of the farmers.

This is not likely to be exhibited until there is more energy and capital in the region, but of a favorable change in that respect I have some hopes as much land is changing hands and northern men are in many cases becoming the owners.  In my opinion the whole supply of labor is not quite equal to the demand. 

At Harrisburg a very good school has been lately established at the request of forty of the townspeople.

At Winchester I found the office of Capt. John A. McDonnell, Supt. of the District in very good condition, his records and papers clear and correctly kept.

The office of Capt. Chandler, Asst. Supt. for Frederick and Clarke Counties, was also in good condition.  

In general I may state that Capt McDonnell has insisted upon and succeeded in establishing a better set of office records than formerly exited in the Sub Districts. 

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-10-31 14:51:36