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by the proceeds of the present crops.

The system of renting land on shares is very much advancing the interests of all concerned & seems to establish in the mind of the freedmen a feeling of independence.

I have heard no desire expressed by any of the freedmen to return to their former conditions of slavery, though it is alleged by their ex-masters that such is the feeling among them.

As regard the treatment of the whites toward the blacks, I have to say that but few cases of actual oppression have as yet come to my notice. The same feeling, however, exists here as elsewhere in the South, which when analized (the [[windy?]] element of "friendship (?) for the negro" being withdrawn) appears to be that the only right which should be granted to the negro is to earn & eat his bread & bacon, & pay his taxes.

I have visited the colored school in Manchester & find it in a flourishing condition. The teacher, a colored woman named Rachael E. R. Thompson, is evidently a very intelligent person & is working hard for the welfare of her scholars. The recitations & exercises were performed very creditably. The school numbers two hundred & forty (240) scholars.

In conclusion I would say that although very much has been done here, yet much remains to be done. I trust I may be able to report

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