Viewing page 116 of 228

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

Now, the freedmen of Eliz City are doing their duty, obeying their orders, winning the good will of residents; and, though they have, this winter, passed through an ordeal of frightful suffering (much of which I have calmly contemplated as the most valuable experience they could have) yet they have made no riot nor noise nor the least disturbance. 

Shall parity of treatment be extended to the freedmen of York? Shall rents agreed to by them be compelled to be paid? Shall obedience to existing laws and orders be required? 

If so some harsh measures may be necessary; I think a firm front will carry everything without violence; and, unless contrary instructions are given, will carry out my orders as to payment of rents on the part of the Power and Cooke tenants - anticipating a good deal of noise and sundry petitions from them to the higher officers of the Bureau.

But as there are many infant aged or helpless tenants on Messrs Powers & Cookes farms our hospital at Yorktown must be