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counties, and those on the north bank of the river. I invited the freedmen to meet in one of the large buildings, used by the Society of Friends for a school, on the evening of the 15th instant. About four hundred (400) assembled, whom I addressed. At the close of the meeting they expressed themselves satisfied with the statements I had made, and assured me that they were glad to be instructed as to their rights and duties, and to have all erroneous impressions corrected. They assured me further that they were disposed to observe and obey all lawful authority: that if they could not make satisfactory leases with the owners of the land, they would prepare at once to remove and seek houses elsewhere. I am satisfied that this meeting was productive of good results, for the time being at least, and if no improper and sinister influence is brought to bear upon these people, no further difficulty need be anticipated.

I directed General Armstrong to give his personal attention to the settlement of matters in this subdistrict, and furnished him with written instructions, a copy of which I herewith submit. I feel confident that he will be able to accomplish the end desired without the least disturbance, and with but little trouble.

From observation I was led to believe that there had been some want of mutual confidence between Captain Massy, the superintendent of this sub