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far beyond my expectations- The crops have turned out to the satisfaction of all concerned and the cases of defrauding swindling &c, have been fewer in number than was generally apprehended- But few cases comparatively have been reported to me in which the Freedmen have claimed that advantages have been taken of them in the final settlement of the years operations.  And I believe judging from present indications that a much larger proportion of the Freedmen have contracted for their services for the year than was the case last year- The tobacco establishments having suspended for a while has thrown all those out of employment who pursue this kind of labor for a living. This fact accounts for the number of freedmen who are in this immediate locality out of employment at this time.

I am convinced that no serious difficulties are or have occurred on those