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The farm of Mr. Jefferson Sinclair in this county (formerly held by the Bureau) is now occupied by about Five Hundred (500) families of freed people, many of whom are entirely destitute, while those able to pay a fair rent refuse, urging as a plea for such refusal, their right to rent the land next year, if they so desire and the consequent unfairness of compelling them to yield to others, who, they believe, would do no better than themselves. Instruction and advice as to the right of the private owner of land to dispose of or let it, as he may deem proper in securing his own interests,-do not appear to weaken the conviction of the freedmen, as to his right, to remain where he now is, on payment of reasonable rent. The freedmen of this county are but slowly unlearning the teachings of C Pepper and others to the effect that the land was no longer the property of whites, but had reverted to them, and the attempt to collect rent, whether by private citizens or the Bureau, was an outrage and should be resisted. The whole question is well worthy of serious consideration, and unless some anticipatory action is taken, serious trouble may be apprehended

Transcription Notes:
What's the letter before "Pepper" ? "the teachings of ??? Pepper" It looks just like a "C" that's on the next page. ---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-03-02 11:32:38