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I am convinced from facts which have been brought to my personal knowledge that as a general thing wherever the Freedmen have opportunities and are allowed adequate pay for their labor they give satisfaction.

From a careful investigation into their habits disposition &c I am also convinced there are no reasonable grounds for the opinion that they are incapable of becoming a self-supporting people- On those plantations where the greatest amount of work is done- where everything indicates the highest possible condition of prosperity &c the Freedmen are better satisfied.- and why? - because there the employer does what he promised to do. pays them for their labor and gives them their proper allowance of provision.- Naturally they are prosperous and anxious to advance- and in any every instance known to me where they have had an equal chance with the white laborer they have exhibited the same industry and an equal desire to do their duty and in every regard to do their --

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