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1027

and supplies of fuel &c - preparing material for building, such as brick, lumber &c. and this cause, more regular demand for labor than in a primely agricultural district.  If freedmen could but better understand the value of time and short intelligent money reckoning, they would advance so much more rapidly in material property.  The desire to own a homestead is general, but the plan pursued by many freedmen is fraught with great danger, if by any disaster present system kind officers should retain power.  Purchases are made with agreement to make so many annual payments and when purchase money is all paid then a deed to be received.  Unless when I can influence them, most take but a simple receipt and may have to sue for title, but I advise all to have a legal contract drawn executed and recorded, but many do not.

Written contracts for labor by the year for 1868 are not so general as usual.  As I have before reported I think the change to casual hire will in the end prove a disadvantage to the laborer and have advised permanent contracts through this office