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make a fine thing financially as well as do a great benefit to the negro race, it is well known that they are very apt in learning and in a short time would become very expert operators. this to my mind is the only manner in which the government can be relieved from the immense expense which is now incurs in preventing suffering in this county, unless they are removed to other points where their labor is in demand, and I would be much pleased if you would give this matter your attention. Oystering It is well known that a large number of the "Freedmen" in this County obtain their livelihood from oystering and fishing in York River, and that business is now entirely ruined owning to the recent law passed by the Legislature of Virginia. placing a tax of three dollars per ton on all vessels entering the river for oysters. One day last week I am informed eleven vessels "put about" at the bar upon learning this fact. and now I do not believe there is a single vessel [[stamp]] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES [[/stamp]]