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the community at large - if this valuable time is consumed, in useless discussions and unnecessary political demonstrations, the agricultural operations must unavoidably result in distress and suffering to all, and with peculiar severity to the labouring classes who are least able to bear it - Not only is this effect produced but it leads to quarrels and contentions, which practically injures all concerned

I have endeavoured to impress upon their minds, that the agitation of political questions, and their loss of time, to attend public meetings at this critical period, could not be productive of any good, to the race, inasmuch as ample opportunity, will be given them to so advise themselves as to be able, to act intelligently in the matter of voting, &c. and as no disposition on the part of the whites, is manifested to interfere with these people, in the exercise of this right, and as the success of the crops, depends entirely upon the efforts, of the laborer, and as the failure of same, must inevitably and most seriously effect the interest of the freedmen, I am convinced, that

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---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-03-12 15:57:28 ---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-03-12 21:21:19