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This case is one of those now before the magistrates. I do not fear the effects of said decision so far as the more respectable citizens are concerned. It is only from the vicious, the cruel, and the young and inconsiderate- such as the students of Washington College and the cadets of the Military Institute. But, as yet, I have no complaint to make against either students or cadets, so far as regards their conduct towards the blacks- though I had anticipated some trouble from them during the Christmas holidays. The magistrates are here- as they are everywhere else- men of different characters and manners, and the chances of the freedmen getting justice vary accordingly. Of course I hear many complaints of the impertinence and laziness of the negroes, but I have good reason to believe that these complaints are exaggerated. Wages are good considering that money is scarce in the county. Ordinary laborers get from $8. to $10. per month with board. Extra hands get more. Women get from $3. to $6. Some men have been getting a share of the crops raised, and this share differs according to circumstances, but, by this system an ignorant freedman is subject both to be defrauded and imposed upon- unless he works for a strictly honest man. It is to be regretted that very few contracts have been heretofore made in writing in Rockbridge County. The Bureau as an institution is most heartily hated- especially in the town of Lexington- and, in this connection, I must be allowed to state how I myself have been treated. However, before going any further I must
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Reopened for Editing 2024-03-09 12:23:28
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Reopened for Editing 2024-03-10 17:47:45
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Reopened for Editing 2024-03-10 18:21:53