I have received your communication dated Carthage, Texas Dec 9th 1865 addressed to Col. Hall Sub Asst. Coms and by him referred to these Headquarters. While from by far the larger part of the state we learn by the most ample testimony that the blacks are the most docile, industrious orderly, free from serious crime, and with all the substratum that goes to make the good citizen, it is but rational that those who live remote from the offices of our agents, not knowing whom to trust or what to believe, comprehending their relation but imperfectly as to their former masters but imperfect masters, will gain the knowledge of their rights and duties more slowly than those who live near the points of information and relief. The freedmen at the most distant points are learning the duties of the hour. The same incitements that quicken the industry of other men in free societies are felt by them.
Complaints are few.
In general the Freedmen of Texas present a record which for Service and order is most commendable. Turned headlong into freedom without preparation, without premonition, by men at war with their masters, and told that they have been wronged and have a heritage of vengeance, they exhibit in their industry, docility and patience an example beyond the expectation of man. No people have ever been so tried. None ever so stood trial. The poor toilers of any Outlaw State, thus Suddenly unchained would have taken their rulers by the throat and carried carnage into every homestead in the South.