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0302

duped and led to invest their earnings improperly and to their own injury.

In their contracts too unless supervised or approved by the Bureau agent there is a general want of prudence and forethought. Generally contracts are submitted to the Bureau Agent for approval.

The complete subjugation of the mind of the Freedman while in a state of slavery has left them destitute of that independence and energy necessary to the maintenance of their rights and the common pursuits in life. 

The authorities in each County make provision for the support of the destitute without regard to color of this the colored people are very loth avail themselves. There is a kind of superstitious dread in their minds of the alms house. They speak of it as being sent back to slavery. This is caused by the heretofore harsh treatment the poor have received from their overseers and the general lack of correct principles of government in the community.

There are Freedmens schools in successful operation in this Sub. District at the following places, viz:  Wytheville, Abington, Dublin, Christiansburg, and Salem. These are taught by northern teachers (except one) and aided by northern Freedmens aid societies. In these schools good progress is made and much interest

Transcription Notes:
loathe is misspelled in original as LOTH. Maintained as written.