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in most cases and contracts for the ensuing year have generally been made. The people have quite got rid of the idea of receiving farms from government, or of their divine right to the lands occupied by them; and are convinced that they must pay rent.

The freedmen of New Kent and Charles City counties are rather better off than those in the lower peninsula; labor is scarce and land is plenty. But the custom of paying in kind prevails, as it does everywhere in my sub-district. There is not the money in the country wherewith to pay labor - it must be paid - so orders on a neighboring store are given, with which the freedmen are not usually satisfied. This course does not tend to encourage honest labor.

The affairs of Elizabeth City Co.