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have not got a single hand on them: Most of the freedmen who have not rented land refuse to work except by the day. And many who could secure good hands at $10 or $12 per month are idling about doing nothing.  I have no doubt but what one or two hundred good farm hands could find employment here at wages ranging from $8 to $12 per month as there is a great demand for labor here at present.  Most of the contracts for last year have been settled up and the crops divided.  A great many have done exceedingly well but a large number have not made enough corn to last them through this year.  And in some instances some have come out in debt.  Especially those with large families. And those who had nothing to start on last year.

The citizens as a general thing expect to do away with the Contract or Share system and expect to hire by the month for the present year.  And especially those whose crops proved