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and I have not since had any complaints, but on the contrary have been complimented on the efficiency of my visit-
So long a narrative is inadmissible in an ordinary Report, but the one I have just given will convey a better idea of the state of affairs in the county than any other mode I might adopt to convey such idea, and important results may follow the coming of these strangers — and from it you may conclude that all I ask in order that I may be able to conduct Freedmens affairs in Jany in a satisfactory manner is civility, honesty, industry and prudence on the part of the Freedpeople—for, while there are some hasty and even malignantly disposed individuals among the whites, the great majority of the people are well disposed towards the Blacks, wish to see them prosperous and happy, and in the course of time, I believe, will be willing and ready to aid in educating them—
No cases of theft or other bad conduct on the part of the Freedpeople have been reported to me during the month — excepting a few instances of insolence and attempted breaking of contracts, while, on the other hand, I have not had a single charge of maltreatment or personal abuse brought against a white citizen by a black one — And yet, in past time Surry obtained the invidious reputation of being a county in which the most barbarous cruelty towards the Freedmen was practiced — a reputation which it most undeservedly still retains in Norfolk and other places—
The county is quite healthy for tide water Virginia at this season, and the coming crop of corn promises well—