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children. The majority of the Farmers in the county, are in such straightened circumstances, that they are not willing or yet able to hire women who have children.

Much complaint is made to me, with reference to the collection of small debts owing, by the whites, to the colored people, whether it is owing to the scarcity of money or not; the white community exercise great reluctance, in paying for the services of the Freedmen, as a usual thing these amounts are so small, that the time occupied in obtaining them through the Civil Courts, would be of more value than the money owed, and many prefer losing their hard earned money, than put the case in the hands of the Civil Authorities.  

Very respectfully
Your Obt Servt
Benj. C. Cook
Bvt. Capt and A.S.A.C.
1st Div 3d Sub Dist Va.