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0825
they are getting along very comfortable, except at City Point Prince George County, where they seem to be in a deplorable condition and in my judgment were many of these to seek homes in the more rural districts thereby leaving City Point there conditions would be greatly enhanced, but as they are located there at present I think when March has passed they will see the necessity and enter into contracts with the land owners and work the rest of the season or year. 

The contract system in many instances has operated badly during the past year form the fact that the Freedmen have been careless in signing contracts not legal in the eye of the law of Virginia;- this will have a good effect however, so far as teaching them to be more cautious in the future. Many will see also that it is far better to work by the month for a stated salary than by farming on shares
 
Temperance among the colored people is a mystery. They love liquor having had as an example their masters before them drinking men.

I am General 
Very Respectfully your obedt Servt
Henry KW Ayres
A.S.A. Comr &c