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Several cases of cruel treatment and shooting of negros have taken place (without the least provocation on their part) all of which have been referred to the civil authorities for investigation - and the guilty parties brought to punishment. The citizens generally appear ready and willing to assist in protecting the Freed people in their rights and privelages, and discountenance all those who would seek to injure them.

The only cases of real injustice done the negro, is where they are unable lawful contracts for labor, and thereby are liable to be turned off at any time by their employer, without the least remuneration for their services. This we have, to the best of our ability, endeavored to correct, but there are still numerous instances of imposition and injustice. 

The Freemen have all declined accepting the Government offer to settle on Public Lands, fearful that they could not subsist themselves and families, until they secured the products of the soil.

The Marriage Register is now completed, as far as it has been possible to obtain the voluntary acknowledgement by the parties, to their matrimonial alliance. Have recorded in Montgomery County 324 Married Couples and 751 Children - with 121 illegitimate offspring. 
Pulaski County 223 of the first class, 626 of the second, and 85 of the third. 
Giles County, first class 75, Second 199, Third 40.