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There is prospect of abundant crops, should they be favored with suitable rains which are very much needed at present. As to temperance matters with the freed-people I have to say, that the idea of signing a pledge of total abstinence receives anything but popularity, as a general thing. I can account for this indifference in no other way, only that it is a thing new to them, it looks to them like signing away their liberty, A drunkard they abhor, but they have never heard that it was an evil to take, now and then a drink, on the contrary that it was a benefit. Those among whom they have always lived, those that raised them, their old masters, of whatever standing in society, whatever position they occupied in the church, they have been accustomed all their lives to seeing them with their grog and taking their dram,  and receiving it also from their hands. There is a great field open for earnest labor in the cause of total abstinence. 
I have one gratifying thing to report, that during the eight months that I have had charge of this Division I have seen only three colored men drunk, to attract attention, and only one of them the second time. 

I am Major
Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
J.B. Clinton
Lieut. & A.S.A. Comr.

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---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-03-17 16:48:52