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the transaction of his subsequent business, or to inform him of the doings of his predecessors, whose opinions and actions should harmonise with his own, as far at least as is consistent with his proper sense of duty. In the absence of such harmony, without sufficient apparent reason, there will necessarily exist much dissatisfaction. I find myself constantly under the necessity of enquiring what was the course or practice in this or that aspect of my predecessor, without any positive assurance that the information elicited is reliable.

By a Circular Letter of the War Department, Bureau of Refugees, &c., Oct. 4, 1865, it is provided that "State laws with regard to apprenticeship will be recognized by this Bureau, provided they make no distinction of color; or, in case they do so, the said laws applying to white children, will be extended to the colored."

I have examined the laws of this State, and find in their provisions but little with regard to terms. There is a provision for the education of apprentices, which is this in substance, that they shall be taught reading, writing and common arithmetic, including the rule of three. But with regard to money, clothes, or other consideration, there is no particular provision. Whatever is additional to the education, is a matter of contract or decree. Where the child is bound out by the parent, guardian or overseer of the poor, the consideration is agreed upon between the parties; where it is done by order of the court, it is fixed in the decree. 

Upon inquiry of the clerk of the county, I find that the prac- [[practice]]

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