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in the river loading. Legislation of this character cannot but result disastrously to all concerned. it takes the very bread from the mouths of the oystermen, and will result in great suffering to them. I most sincerely hope that the General Government will inquire into this matter and prevent laws, so unjust in the their character, and which results so directly to the injury of the "Freedmen." 

Taxes

Owing to the recent orders the "Freedmen" are now compelled to pay taxes. There are numerous little stores in the county with stock to the value of about one hundred dollars, yet on this small capital they pay licenses and taxes averaging from five to twenty dollars, they complain bitterly of this stating, that, they are supporting a court from which they derive no benefit, they cannot sue to be sued, no assistance whatever is rendered them in the collection of their debts and if they are compelled to resort to arbitration they find it only in the Bureau Court.

[[stamp]] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES [[/stamp]]