Viewing page 185 of 237

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

when there is still a strong inclination on the part of the leading rebel whites to debase and control the freedpeople, much trouble is given the officers of the bureau, by persons opposed to the the elevation of the colored race, circulating among them and disseminating highly-colored and incorrect views of their situation, rights, and privileges which are calculated to sow dessinssion among their ranks and thus render them an easy prey to their opponents. I cannot see how the matter can be helped except by the removal from office of such office holders, as are politically opposed to them and who use their offices as a means of influence in controlling them. It is reported that every thing is done by the violent partisans of Fauquier County to force the colored men to abandon their Union League, such as refusing to hire or rent land or houses to any member of the League who will not abandon it. In some cases this line of conduct has proved effectual, and the leading minds of Fauquier headed by ex-Gov Wm Smith are exerting themselves in every conceivable way to make it more complete and if possible completely exterminate the Union League in that County.

The general welfare of the freedpeople is improving, not rapidly but steadily, and