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gainsay the assertion of a white, is almost sure to be characterized as insolence, and resented in a manner not tolerated among whites; whereas, any immoderate language, however extreme, from the latter to the farmers, would never be regarded as affording excuse, even for retort; and with this construction, it is made a primary provision in very many of the contracts entered into, that any insolence whatever on the part of the freedman, shall furnish sufficient cause for his white employer, at his discretion, to at once dismiss him, with the loss of the entire fruits of his labor up to the time, and regardless of the sacrifice of his prospects for the future, at perhaps the very worst season of the year.  It is clear to be seen here, that where the said employer is either evil-disposed, or unjustly domineering, he is empowered, absolutely, with a ready means of working mischief to the laborer.  Under such circumstances resort to violence is not uncommon, and threats of death seems to be universally prevalent.  And here is just where the Colored man is placed at the worst disadvantage; for while the white man seems to be regarded almost as privileged in this respect, should the farmer even have just cause of action, legally, against him, for abuse actually inflicted, upon its being addressed that he has been at all, in the slightest degree, so termed, insolent, I would not give much for his chances of redress.

There have been several complaints of striking, and other petty acts of injustice, since my arrival here, on the 27th August last; some of which, in order to best subserve the true interests of the Freedmen, have, by my counsel, been compromised by them.  There was   

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