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generally a disposition on the part of the white to treat them with kindness and [[then giving?]] them a fair opportunity to improve their condition.  Both parties are mutually dependent at present, as one owns the land, the other constitutes the only labor which can now be had or which in my opinion can be obtained for a long time to come, if the same system of cropping is pursued and the same staple crops produced as while those the blacks were held in a state of slavery, but I think our whole system will gradually have to be changed.  I do not think a large number of Free people having separate families, of any race or colour can be worked profitably on the same plantation.  It may do tolerably for a few years under the influence of old habit and association, but it cannot last long.  It is impossible to work a number of Blacks of different families as Freedmen on the same plantation with much profit to either party, for labor to be successfull on a large scale in the country, there must be harmony good understanding and discipline among the laborers. Now I do not see how they can be affected in our present circumstances and without this harmony and agreement, then can be but little success.

23rd. Do you know if any instances of cruelty or oppression  on the part of the Employer.
Answr.  I do not nor do I believe there is any disposition on the part of Employers to treat the Freedmen with hardship.

24th.  Are they apt to leave their employers without cause.
Ansr.  As a general think, I do not think they are.

25th.  Are any of them disposed to Economy.  I believe there are very few.  It is a very rare virtue among them but I might also say that the whites whom they endeavor to imulate in every thing have not set them a very good example in that [[strikethrough]] [[?]] [[/strikethrough]] respect.  The planters of Va have never been remarkable for rigid Economy, but on the contrary have ever been distinguished for their profuse liberality, and unbounded Hospitality, virtues which I am afraid have to be herafter numbered with the things that have been

Transcription Notes:
"generally" (continued from previous page)