Viewing page 201 of 225

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

not been read or explained to them properly, frequently the witnesses in reading them omit clauses and provisions which they think would be distasteful to the Freedmen and in which he would not agree to, if read to him.  To remedy these evils, I have requested that all contracts for labor, be brought to the Asst Supndt for his Approval, they are then read and explained to the freedmen and should they then agree to such contract they are Approved.  Should I perceive any unfair advantage being taken of the Freedmen I refuse to Approve the Contract, and the result is that the that the Farmers believing it essential to have my Approval, invariably alter or modify the contract, though I do not presume to dictate terms.  

In Nottoway County, the citizens are commencing to treat the Freedmen with some degree of fairness and in a few instances with kindness.

In Lunenburg County I cannot perceive any improvement in the feeling and disposition of the citizens towards the Freedmen.  In fact a reduced system of slavery exists in this County to a certain extent.

Most respectfully

D.J. Connolly
Brvt Capt Asst. Supdt

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-03-16 11:18:39 - fixed some punctuation