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of landholders, and the utter ignorance of the masses render the freedman's condition a truly pitiable one. And the worst feature of all is the content, the supineness of this class in their troubles: they have no aspiration or healthy ambition. Everything about them, their clothes, their houses, their lands, their fences all bear witness to their shiftless poverty. 

Yet there is something left to work upon: the freedmen have most interesting and encouraging characteristics: a love of order and quiet: a willingness to be taught and a desire to school their children: a readiness to work for reasonable wages, and a strong devotion to the government.

It is noticable that there is always a better tone where there is a school, both among whites and colored. At Eastville where there has for some time been a school, the education of freedmen has become respected and appreciated 

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-12-03 14:59:53