The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1865-10-31
For the Western Democrat.
TO the Citizens Of Western North
Carolina.
,HEApoUARrERs FREEDMEN's BUREAU,
CHARLOTTE, N. G, Oct. 10, 1866. !


As Superintendent of the Freedmen's Bureau ;
for this District deem it necessary to issue this
circular that all may know the expectations of
the Government in regard to the freed laborers. +
The Freedmens Bureau established for the !
purpose Of securing to the Freedman his rights, /
for the support Of the destitute, the aged and IN
firm, and to aid them in their transition from
slavery to freedom in becoming good and useful
citizens. And until the State enacts laws for the
protection of freedmen and the support of the
destitute this Bureau must exist, and consequent
" the laws and regulations by which it is gov
erned must De obeyed and respected.
The Government expects that the Freedman
be paid fair and liberal prices for his or her labor
IF not, they cannot sub,ist during the winter
months, aud the consequences will be that on the
admission into the Union Of your State it will he
flooded with pauperism. But give them fair
wages and inducements to labor, and every able
bodied male or female will be able to support
themselves.
1t is true that since they became free, many
have not labored as they should, and have caused
much perplexity and trouble to their employers,
but the blame does not wholly rest with them.
They being an ignorant people are easily imposed
upon, and impositlons greatly to their injury
have been practiced upon them by certain classes.
They have been taught to believe that the Gov
eminent would parcel out to them the land and
property of their former masters Believing this,
many thought that they could live without labor
ing at least until they come into possession of
their share of the spoiIs. Many who never own
cd slaves, have induced them TO leave good
homes and employers much against their inte-
rest; and now, after having had their labor, are
both unable and unwilling to remunerate them
| entertain the hope and belief that when the
hiatt ho
does not intend to give them property, and that
they must depend wholly upon their own exer-
tons and labor for their support, that they may
commence the Year with different views con-
corning their freedom, and do far better than
heretofore. A percep,ible change for the better
is noticeable with them already.
1t is an evident fact, that for many years to
come the Southern States must depend upon the
freedmen tillers of the soil. My belief is that
for some time neither Northern or foreign white
labor will harmonic successfully with that of the
colored race. If this be so, is it not to your in
terest to cultivate and educate rs far and fast
possible your former slaves, not to crush out
and keep down the real wealth of your State.
am satisfied that majority OF the citizens Of
this District are disposed to be liberal and just
with their laborers, and are striving to convince
them as to their, Duties their responsibilities and
the obligations they owe to themselves and en-
ployers. But there arc some who are disposed
to defraud the freedmen out of his just dues and
are provoking them to commit some act whereby
they may take advantage in order that they may
have an excuse for turning them off without COM
pensation for their labor. This is hard accu-
sation, but. am confident that such are facts TO
those would say that the laws and instructions
Of this Bureau will be enforced to the letter, as
Juice demands that the laborer he paid.
IS W hiatt free NOT
work. If am not nIisinformed, the present
crops, with the exception Of wheat and cotton,
are rather Above the usual average for this Sec
ton of the State Whose labor prepared the
soil, planted and cultivated those crops? Was it
not that Of the freedmen? If so, Why not pay
them for that labor.
10 adjusting cases between the employer and
employees, shall endeavor to do justice to all,
following closely my instructions. 1t is prefer
able that parties settle those cases where they
can do SO satisfactorily within themselves, they
being better able to judge in these matters than
nm entire stranger to the rules and customs of
the country, and l believe that majority Of
such cases nigh: be settled would the employer
be liberal in bis views toward the laborcr. There
is not, nor can there be, any set rates in the
division of crops. Much must depend upon cir
cumstances. / am we'll aware that many freed
men have expectations beyond all reason and
would say to the employer that in cases where
the parties cannot agree, to make proposition
in writing and send the same to ME by one or
more of their laborers, and if reasonable will
approve and enforce the proposition OF contract
By so doing you may save much time aud trouble
In settling cases | shall in measure be gov
crned by contracts now in my possession made
by liberal minded men-men who willing to
give to the negro fair equivalent for his labor
Many have left their former homes-some
without provocation-whilst others have been
driven away. A portion of those should be
paid for labor performed ere leaving In many
instances planters have retained their hands By
promising to do by them as they had done when
in slavery. This cannot be considered as fair
contract. | take it, that such a proposal means
that the employer furnish them clothing board
and patches. Then this was very LIBERAL not
so now. The patches were generally allowed
them as so much pocket or spending money
Then the master was obliged to clnthe, feed and
furnish medical aid, where now, this falls upon
the laborer, and consequently be will expect
something more than a small patch to support
himself and family. In settling with the Iaborer
these things should be taken into, consideration.
Many freedmen now have the opportunity Of
making contracts for another year. Such should
be allowed to do SO il not to tho disadvantage of
the prescott employer. The time for seeding is
near at hand, and all that can get land to till on
shares should have the privilege to do So l
find that many, in fact the majority, prefer
making crops on shares, and believe that it would
be to the interest, in many cases, to the planter
TO adopt this system, as it holds induce ments
to labor that monthly wages cannot.
1t has bsen reported to ME that in neiyhbor-
hoods in this District the planters have CON-
oiued for the purpose Of compelling the freed