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As I have no instructions to oblige the parties to make the proper written contracts except in cases which are brought 'Specially to my notice,  I therefore cannot act in the matter, further than urge its necessity upon the Freedmen, with whom I am brought in contact- and which I have not failed to do, on every available opportunity.

Under the present State of Affairs it is quite certain that many of the Freedmen will be defrauded out of their honest compensation for labor- and unless it is made obligatory upon the Employer to come forward and make lawful contracts, the Freedmen will lose the greater part of their honest wages-  and perhaps turned off in the midst of winter, without, food or quarters.

Several Schools are greatly needed throughout this Sub District, and the Freed People generally are anxiously 'waiting for Some action to be taken, in regard to the education of their children.

Very generally the Freedmen are conducting themselves in an orderly manner, and the only cases of complaint, are those, who have been turned off by their Employers, without settlement of their claims for labor.  All these we assist to the fullest extent in our power.  

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-02-29 10:14:54 corrected a few typos. ---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-02-29 11:45:38