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0739

near Lunenburg Court House for which an appropriation has been requested to put them in repair. The freedmen here as elsewhere take much interest in Schools but have not the means to support them wholly. They lack that ability to act in concert which intelligent organization affords to enable them to act effectually

The freedmen are generally working under written contracts for a share of the crops, and if they receive their just share will be doing quite well. In a large number of cases the course is for some White man who has teams and implements to rent the land giving the owner one fourth. He then contracts with freedmen to do the labor for half the remainder he furnishing team, seed &c. In some cases his wife or sons comes in for an equal share with the laborer.

These contracts nearly all have a condition that the freedmen shall obey the instructions or orders of the White man and not leave the premises without his permission, in default to forfeit all his rights and interests in the crops. The above conditions bid fair to be the source of much difficulty and loss to the freedmen

The general condition of the freedmen is deplorable. Ignorant, poor and dependent. In the minds of a dominant race who are opposed to their improvement either in property or intelligence and without the means or ability to improve themselves, their children grow up in filth, ignorance and vice. Industrious, faithful, and patient under all circumstances

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---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-03-28 19:28:56