Viewing page 12 of 236

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

0010

complaints of the kind have been numerous, but as the Freedman has no check account of his own he cannot substantiate his side of the transaction while the employer has books to verify his side and the complaint falls to the ground.  When I ask the question why did you take all these goods or orders when your contract calls for money.  The common answer is "I could not get money and my family had to eat and be clothed" If the Freedmen had education sufficient to keep an account of quantity & price of all they secure in lieu of money wages it would be no disadvantage to them to take pay in the way but as it is now with them such a custom which is rapidly becoming the system will give opportunity for endless frauds.  Where the facts in the case are clear I still find no difficulty in securing payment of wages, where there is doubt I can do nothing. There is a general disinclination to come to the Bureau Agent to have contracts drawn some employers will not hire a man who wishes it. The circumstance of a majority of Freedmen here are comfortable but those who have no incumbrance are prone to frequent change and do not, while those with large families cannot accumulate.  The Aged and helpless will be reasonably cared for by the overseers of the Poor, but medical aid for the sick in the absence of any Dispensary in the county is out of reach of the poor or if availed of in many cases involves the sick person in debt he cannot pay.

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-03-19 16:13:20