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their own bargain.

You will also let them understand, that when their contract for services are made with the whites, they are under obligation to and must fulfill the same. You will annull all contracts that may have been made with the freedmen, that are inperious and unconscionable.

Cultivate, as far as possible, among them, a friendly spirit towards the citizens and their former masters and explain to them the relations that exist between capital and their labor, and how each is dependent on the other.

You will not issue rations to any person able to work, for whom employment can be found. Require each Assistant Superintendent to keep a Register of all colored persons able to work, and without employment, in his sub district, and to aid such persons in finding places to work [[?]]. When employment is found, let the accompanying form of contract, marked B, be made out in triplicate, one copy to be furnished each of the parties, and one copy filed in the office of the Asst. Superintendent.

Look after the vagrants, and, if after being admonished, they do not provide themselves with honest labor, turn them over to work under some military guard, without payment, until they are ready to work

for themselves.

The peculiar laws, that have governed these people, being no longer in operation, you will consider them under the same common laws, that govern free laborers throughout the north.

Your attention is particularly called to the improvidence of the Freedmen. You will instruct them that, their right in what they may possess, will now be protected, and that neither laws nor proclamations can make them really free, until by frugality and economy, they place themselves in a position, where their dependence on Government or charity for support shall cease.

The unsettled condition of these people will be likely to give you trouble. Beyond the changes necessary for uniting families, you will discourage their wandering propensities, except so far as changes may be necessary for labor to find its best market.

All orphan children and helpless and infirm persons, that have no one to care for them, will be removed at once to a comfortable home, now being provided. Further instructions will be forwarded to you soon.

I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully
Your obt. servt.
O. Brown
Capt. & A.Q.M.
Asst. Comm'r &c.

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