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the freedmen are removed. He claims that the Government is obliged to give him actual possession. He doubtless intends to claim rent for that portion of the farm occupied by the freedmen until they shall be removed. I am of the opinion that such a claim can have no validity whatever, but it would be well to take steps to prevent any future embarrassment to the Bureau in this respect.

Taylor refuses to rent the land to the freedmen and insists upon their removal; they upon the other hand refuse to leave, and have repeatedly said that they would forcibly resist civil process or the power of the Bureau sent to eject them. They can be furnished with employment at fair prices in the neighboring counties; no doubt homes could procured for all of them in the immediate vicinity. They are averse to going to the Gulf States, and I do not think could be induced to do so. Their threat of resistance to the civil or militarily authorities I regard as idle and of little importance. If the proper efforts are made they can be removed without trouble or disturbance. Since the property has passed from the control of the Bureau, the future welfare of the freedmen demands that they should be provided with homes elsewhere. Taylor is inimical in his feelings towards them, and will probably refuse to rent lands to them on any fair terms. The longer they remain, the worse their condition will become, and they will be more unwilling to go.

Captain Austin, in charge of this sub district is in many respects, an excellent officer: he is careful and