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(50) Majority.  John M Langston Esqr Inspector of Freedmens Schools throughout the South, spoke to the people of this place on the 20th inst that being Court day at this place I had thought it would be impossible for me to get the Court House for him, I saw the Authorities and prevailed upon them to adjourn at 3 P.M upon the motion of Mr Henry Shackelford Commonwealth Attorney which was agreed to and the Court accordingly gave away.

Mr Langston made an eloquent appeal to the people in reference to abstaining from the use of intoxicating drinks and urged upon them the importance of educating their children &.c.  He was listened to by a large audiance of Black and White and his eloquent and well timed remarks seemed to have a good effect upon all classes.  His speech was not in any sense a partisan speech but was calculated to benefit all classes alike.

I have made several efforts to get the colored people together upon the subject of Temperance but have not been very successfull  The leaders among the Blacks do not look upon the subject with much favor.

I shall continue to use my influence towards the desired object though the opposition to such a reform at present seems to be almost insurmountable - The duties incumbent upon me as Prest of the Board of Registration for the County of Culpeper as well as the other duties devolving upon me has rendered it impossible for me to give this matter the attention that is due to it.

I shall as soon as my returns and reports of the Registration are made up take the matter in hand and organize a Temperance Society at this