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the freedman little or nothing to look upon as saved at the end of a year of labor - indeed he may be thankful if he is not in debt

I make the above statement to show the system of labor in this Country - I fear the result will be to leave a large class in very destitute circumstances this winter

The system of County taxation seems very unjust the County taxes in this Sub-Dist are altogether poll tax amounting in Augusta Co to three (3) dollars each this bears as heavy upon a poor man as upon a man of property; it is an outside matter but has its effect many of the freedmen call upon me to see about the payment of tax; they seem to think it unjust to pay so much, and many of them have ideas about voting in connection with paying tax, which in time will lead them to demand good reasons for doing one and not the other - & seems to have touched them in a sensitive spot when called upon to pay.

The course of politics North is closely watched by them; in this town they are remarkably well posted and I have found that news of that kind spreads through the Country very quickly - I am acquainted with one colored man who takes the "Washington Chronicle" and regularly imparts the news to his Color.

The freedmen are laboring under many disadvantages now which it will require time

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---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-03-04 14:56:53