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30 Office Bureau R.F. & A.L. Macon Miss Feb 10" 1868. [[left margin]] Barber [[/left margin]] Merritt Lieut A.A.A. Genl Bu. R.F. & A.L. Vicksburg Miss Lieutenant, I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the Bureau for this Sub District during the month of January viz to wit: I see no reasons for changing my estimate of the number of freed persons in the Sub District from that heretofore reported. While many have left for other parts, it is believed that the gain from new comers will about cover the loss.= Upon a more careful reflection and investigation into the facts with refference to settlement for last years labor, I am decidedly of the opinion that in a large number of instances the freedmen have not been fairly delt with. While a majority perhaps, traded in advance, to the extent of their share of the crop, still there are many with whom the reverse it the case- Like injustice is apt to be repeated year after year until the freedmen become learned in the source of numbers, or they change the nature of their contracts and work for stipulated wages. This course would maturely lessen the opportunities for swindling. Moreover would afford greater protection to that class of planters who would act honest, & who prefer to pay wages. The objection raised that the freedmen do not work so well for wages as far as a portion of the crop, is so far as my knowledge extends, untrue and is only a subterfuge on the part of irresponsible persons who hope by this means to perpetrate their dishonesty upon the freedmen. Contracts for this year are almost without exception for a part of the crop. Generally for a 3d the freedmen finding themselves, Some receive 31 a fourth and rations furnished. I have of none suffering from want, still I do not see how it can but soon be otherwise, as so many are unemployed. I find a third, fully one fourth of those employed, last year are idle this. many so of their own accord. From my own knowledge numbers of plantations that more under cultivation last year and lying out this. Yet in the face of these facts strange to say. I am daily called upon by planters wanting to hire hands. But little progress is being made in the work of education. This so far as the freedmen are concerned arise not so much from a lack of interest in the matter, but is owing more to their poverty. The School at this place under the control of the Society of Friends is doing well, and as will be seen from the report forwarded to the Supt of Schools, has enrolled 285 Scholars- At Shuqualak the freedman have nearly completed a substantial school building and will soon need a Teacher. Much difficulty was experienced at first to find among their best friends. One willing to sell them a piece of land for school purposes- Public sentiment appears adverse to the education of the blacks, and opposition to their advancement it would seem is as great now as at any previous period. I fail to discover [[strikethrough]] any [[/strikethrough]] of late any change for the better in the disposition of the whites towards the blacks. caused measurably by their political differences. No outrages upon freedmen have been reported to me and but few complaints. These latter principally for unfairness, as was claimed, in the division of the crops Frequent complaints are made of freedmen violating their contracts, and quitting work. I am Lieut Very respectfully &c Geo. S. Smith Sub Asst Comr.
