Viewing page 141 of 228

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

1

Bureau of R. F. & A. L.
Hd. Qts. Asst. Supt. Sub. Dist. No. 3
7th Distract Va.
Rocky-Mount, Franklin Co., Va.
November 30th, 1866

Bvt. Brig. Genl. O. Brown,
A. A. A. Genl. B. R. F. & A. L.
Dept. of the Potomac.

General:
In accordance with the Circular No. 6, C.S. Hd. Qts. Asst. Comr. State of Va. I have the honor to report that the feeling existing between the Whites and Freedmen in my Sub District continues very unsettled. It is persisted in by the former that the latter will never be of any further use; that but very little if any work can be got out of them; that, as a body, they are indolent, vicious, and thievish, &c. The actual facts, however, do not warrant so sweep in a denumeration; for, as far as my observation goes, they are doing; comparatively, much better, though with very little real gain to themselves, from the smallness of the remunerations realized for their labor, than the Whites; more especially the lower classes; and they are certainly as patient and long enduring as could reasonably be expected, all things considered. 
On the other hand, the Freedpeople seem to be firmly impressed with the belief, and with ample cause, that they need never expect to realize, from the Whites, the protection and justice that humanity, and the laws now, guaranty them. In a word, there is a sad want of confidence, which it is found next to impossible to eradicate. It is true, there are quite a number of complaints of stealing going on; but it