Viewing page 25 of 225

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

In this connection, I have no hesitation in saying that without a single exception, where difficulties have occurred between the parties in closing up the operations of the year, that those difficulties were traceable to something for which the employer was individually responsible.  The general expression of sentiment among that class who are able to discriminate between a foolish prejudice and an honest conviction is to the effect that the freedmen are capable of becoming a reliable and thrifty population.

Complaints occasionally reach this office that the freedmen do not exercise proper control over their families, that the wife is permitted to do as she pleases and the children allowed to follow their inclinations.  I have found upon investigation that to some extent the freedwomen are seized with the idea of living indolently, and independent

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-03-12 17:44:59