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have invariably registered promptly and returned at once to their farming duties. I have heard no complaint upon the part of employers with reference to their hands. The labor interests of this section seem most prosperous. There is a supply of good, reliable hands, and this class can always find work at fair waves. It is only the idle who will find cause of complaint. The colored schools at this place closed the last of May. It is highly desirable that another Teacher should be sent here at as early a day as possible. There are a large number of children in this vicinity, and the parents are not as yet in a condition to pay for the services of a competent instructor. I earnestly invite the attention of the proper authority to this subject. The citizens of this and other localities have interested themselves in the formation of Sabbath Schools among the colored people. I have heard of five in the County, numbering in all about (200) Two hundred scholars. As public opinion modifies and the people recover from the prostration of the war, these important interests are gradually assuming a more cheering aspect. Crops are looking well, though corn is backward. The wheat crop is being rapidly harvested and is good. Fruit is plentiful.
The rations which I have hitherto drawn for distribution have I believe proved sufficient to prevent suffering upon the part of destitutes. I know of no cases among them requiring special attention at this time.
Very Respectfully Your obt servt
Ira Ayer Jr. Bvt Col ASA Comr.