Viewing page 172 of 234

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

19

and delays are granted, which — to colored men — amount to a practicable withholding of justice. Magistrates — in many cases — appear to avoid any action until called on by Bureau Officer.

Register of Marriages
No Register of Marriages under Act of February 27th 1866 has been made in this county, but freedmen are generally informed that cohabitation at that date is legally equivalent to marriage. There is far too little chastity, and the civil authorities entirely neglect to enforce the statute against lewdness and adultery. But one surname is generally used. 

Poor
No relief is given unless applicants will become inmates of the Poor House, and few are there owing to the common story — dislike to enter it.

Labor
All willing to work can find employment working land for share of crop. Although farmers complained loudly, I saw no evidence that the freedmen worked less faithfully than in other counties. More capital is needed to employ and pay the large number of freedmen living in this county.

Schools.
This is the first year schools have been established in this county, and however much they were opposed at first, that feeling is giving way to toleration, but there is not, and will not be any support granted by citizens. The school at the Court House, taught by the Misses Waldron is well managed — average attendance (91) ninety one scholars. The present room is of good size, but being a badly lighted basement, is unsuitable and unhealthy for the teachers. A lot is now purchased on which it is expected — by the aid  of the Bureau — a suitable new building will be erected

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-12-11 17:24:34 ---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-12-11 10:40:13