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the Freedmen & declare that unless they are forced to it, they will never "pay a nigger anything more than his board & clothes", sufficient time has elapsed since the promulgation of the order adjourning the Freedmans courts to state with certainty what the effect will be. Some of the Freedmen have placed their accounts for wages for 1865 in the hands of a lawyer for collection. He told me that he did not know whether public opinion would allow him to proceed or not, but thought it would. 

There is much bitterness of feeling between the refugees & those who remained here during the war. They declare universally that they have no chance of obtaining justice before the civil courts & juries and that they would be unable to remain in the country were it not for the presence of a representative of the United States. My own observation fully confirms their statements. 

Very respectfully
Your ob serv
CW Busby
Lt & Asst Sub
Freedman &c
Co. of Northld & Lancaster Va

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-02-25 21:32:43