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In the intercourse which I had with citizens, we, discussed practical plans for restoring confidence between the parties and securing peace and contentment among the freedmen. Several persons in whose good will I could rely, drew up a paper asking me to intercede with the military authorities to obtain an order protecting them from the lawless and the colored people from the oppression of unkind masters.
I consented to their proposal, but our command was so soon ordered north that nothing could be done by me at that time, while I approved the plan suggested by them.
To restore confidence it was proposed that a Commission of three persons be appointed in each county: the persons, or, at least. two of them, to be selected by the freedmen thus securing their friends_ the duty of said Commissions being to settle the terms of agreement between planter and laborer in all cases when they could not agree among themselves, and while they secured the labors of the freedmen, by protecting them from
 

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