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some trouble has been anticipated, by the Freedmen uniting themselves with the union League or Republican party - on account of a disposition among a certain class of the whites, to dismiss all these from their service - but a circular issued from these Hd. Quarters, requiring all such parties to be reported, with their full names and address, has in a measure checked so rash a procedure. The case of Daniel Crawford "Colored" dismissed from the service of Mr. Waller R Preston, referred to in my special Report of the 12th inst., and his interference with a colored man employed by Mr Borden, are the only instances, where parties have wilfully disregarded the orders and instructions issued to protect the freedmen in their political and civic rights. Mr. Preston I understand has become alarmed, fearing arrest - and is making preparations to leave his home for several months In some portions of this Division, there has been considerable migration toward Kanawha Valley, West. Va, and the State of Ohio - and it is expected that others will follow: Higher wages I understand is the attraction. The freedmen here receive from eight to fifteen dollars per month. Numerous written contracts have been made and approved, during the past month, most of which date back to the 1st of the year - and continue in force from one to five years.
The marriage relations among the freed-people are generally held as [[strikethrough]] a [[/strikethrough]] sacred obligations, the law having been clearly read and explained to them, and its penalties, in cases of violation fully enforced.
The orphan Miner Children under the guardianship of the Bureau, are properly cared for, and the requirements of their Indentures, strictly carried into effect.
The Schools for Freed-children are growing in interest, notwithstanding the near approach of the summer vacation. No. 1 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co. numbers 87 Scholars - all the pupils making great progress in their studies.

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-03-16 09:39:16 corrected one minor typo