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Wise Farm Princess Anne Co Va
August 31st, 1866

Capt Wm. P Austin
Supt R.F. & A.L.
First Dist. of Va.

Sir
I have the honor to report the general condition of affairs in this county as rather more encouraging. Work is now beginning to pick up, as that those so inclined are nearly all employed.

In this county there is but very contracts made, the farmers and negroes both prefering to hire by the day, or week, so that when slack time came in farming we have a large class of idle, where if they could enter into long contracts, the employers would find something for them to do, at least keep them from idleness from which results temptation to steal and other vices.

The sanitary condition of the county is good, there being but very little sickness, and none of a serious nature has been reported

The ration list has been somewhat increasing by several persons being sent here from Norfolk City, and Taylor Farms, the same farm having been turned over to its original owners.

During the past month I have distributed one small box of clothing (womens) to those most in need. the same having been sent here by