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favor of the blacks though still the old prejudice has such a deep hold upon the minds of the whites that it is difficult for the blacks to secure his rights in all cases. It is beginning to be apparent with the majority that the blacks must remain with them and that they must be justly dealt with and treated like men. The blacks are also learning how to obtain their rights. Employment will be very difficult to be obtained untill the demand is increased by better ability on the part of the land owners or by a large increase of farmers. Could one hundred men come into this county and purchase land & improve it the demand for labor would relieve a large part of the present Suffering while at the same time their labor would be remunerative to the employers

I am General
Very respectfully
Your obt Servant
Wm P. Austin
Capt A.A.Q.M. &
Supt 1st Dist Va