Viewing page 20 of 228

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

Justices of the Peace, for whipping her Daughter, aged seventeen. The first of these two cases was likewise referred to the Civil Authorities, when a warrant was issued, with a view to have the assailant bound [[strikethrough]] bound [[/strikethrough]] over to keep the peace; but since then there has been no opportunity to learn the final issue. As in the second case there was no probability of the injury being repeated, the only course left open, was for plaintiff to either go before the next Grand Jury, in March, or institute suit: the former may be done. 

All these cases have been treated of in my concurrent Report, in compliance with Circular No. 10. 

The general complaint with the Whites now is, that the negroes are most reluctant to hire; at least on any other terms than by the Month; and I have learned that it is universally understood to be through my recommendation: I need hardly deny the accusation. It must, however, be admitted, that there exists a great disposition on the part of the colored population, to change locally - say from one County to another; and some of them are very reluctant to bind themselves for a year. They are actuated in the first instance, by a very natural desire to, if possible, improve their condition, and are influenced in the second, especially where their previous engagements have proved unfortunate, very largely by the prevalent want of confidence. This is to a certain extent matter for regret, as it may operate both to their own injury, and that of the agricultural interests of the Country. Thus far but two Contracts have been executed under my auspices, for, as a rule, the Whites, of course, ignore the Bureau in lots, except where it may be thought to subserve their interest to have recourse to it, as

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-03-09 22:18:32