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There are some few instances, where the Freedmen violate their contracts, and but very few, and then, perhaps they are enticed away by some farmer, who is short of hands, and offers to them a bribe of some description.

The facilities for enforcing the contract on the part of the Freedmen are very limited (save by moral suasion) for they cannot be fined, not having any money to pay the fine, and the jail is not in a condition to place any one in it for confinement.

The Freedmen's Court meets weekly to adjudicate such cases as may come before it.  The most troublesome cases are those arising out of the demands of the Freedmen on their former owners, they not having made contracts from the Fall of Richmond to the end of the year 1865.  These cases are rapidly diminishing, as the Farmers in this locality, being disposed to deal justly with the Freedmen.

During the month, I have made Twenty Four contracts between the whites and the Freedmen, and each contract is fully explained to the Freedman before signing. 

Transcription Notes:
do not hit [enter] at the end of a written line.... it becomes all wonky if the next volunpeer goes landscape to portrait etc. Let the SI system move you to the next line.