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Much improvement can be perceived in the importance they attach to industry, economy, temperance, and good character as attested to their welfare. Having lived, and been educated in a state in which industry, had no reward and unchastity no disgrace, it evinces no bad [[?]] to see the eagerness with which they listen to better instructions, and the promptness and decission with which they practice the right. A few cases of illicit cohabitation are reported but we can with safety say that they are more chaste than the  lower class of the Whites. They are peaceable. Seldom violating the laws as the Court will show. They are struggling hard for a living but live entirely dependent on those who own the lands and who are not in favor of them acquiring property and independence they encounter many difficulties. Small wages paid in articles at exorbitant prices are universal. 

Much interest is taken in schools where they are located and a great desire to have more opened. The school at Christiansburg with over one hundred schollars and one at Wytheville with over eighty have commenced their winter terms under experienced teachers with good prospects of success.  The schools at Bristol and Abingdon have not yet commenced but are expected to commence the first of November. A school at Salem of 35 scholars is supported by Freedmen. Schools will be started in