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of distrust &c upon the part of both classes than was betrayed earlier in the year.
During the months of May, June & July I was annoyed to a great extent by complaints that evil disposed persons were circulating all kinds of rumors among the freedmen, viz. That the Government would give them land - That the property of their old masters was to be divided among them, That if they remained on the plantations of their old masters they would remain slaves, That if they contracted for their services for one year they could be held five years &c &c. And although I encountered serious difficulties in disabusing the minds especially of those who were cultivating crops I am grateful to be able to say that for some time I

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