The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1865-12-16
Circular.

SoLO MDin, -. ~ NsV -, 1000,
Circular.
In order TO avoid the evils that must
employers and freedmen TO enter into ~
tracts fof the ensuing year, it has been de-
termlned to require that contracts be made
immediately. The accompanying form has
been adopted aud will be observed.
IL is hoped that the stipulation 10 this
form providing for the continuance Of these
contracts after the restoration Of civil au.
thority under such rules and regulations
as may be adopted by the Legislature of
this State will prove satisfactory to all par.
ties. 1t is recommended that a. far as prac
ticable, in order not to break up their
homes, for the present, Freedmen te be en-
ployed by and make contracts with their
former masters, and that care be taken to
provide for the maintenance OF the helpless
and in6rn. This will be most easily Sc.
cured by paying the Freedmen for thei.
labor in Clothing. fooS, shelter and medi
cal attendance, ahd such additional wages
in money as may lie agreed upon.
Commanding officers Of Sub. Districts
will designate an officer ut each Court
House in the Sub. District, to act as Agent
for the Freedmen's Bureau, md TO take
charge OF the making Of contracts, This
officer associated with two citizens Of the
Military District, Magistrates, il they can
be obtained, will constitute u board under
the provisions Of Circular No. 8. ffoIl
headquarters Of the Bureau. 10 cases
whore the employer and Freesmen cannot
agree spoG the terms of the contract, this
bonrd, after q careful examination Of all
the fncts, will fix the terms.
The two citizens, members Of the board,
shall be paid three dollars per day for the
time actually engaged in the discharge Of
their duty--.he account to he certified 10
by the officer assocIated with them. and ap
prove d by the Sub. District Commander.
TO defry the necessary expenses Of
these proceedings fee If fifty cents shall
be charged and collected for each Freed.
man so employed.-in cases where ten or
n less number are employed, II more than
ten. twenty-five cents will bs collected for
each additional freedmen so employed
the entire fee to be paid by the employer.
These fees will DO collected by the officer
in charge aud accounted for TO tho Sub.
Commissioner.
No disbursement by him will be allowed
except the per diem Of the associate mem-
bsrs Of the beard upon approved accounts.
A weekly report ~il be made by him to
the Sub. Assistant Commissisnsr which
will be accompanied by . correct copy Of
all coptras's entered into. Sub. Assistant
Commissioners will report weekly TO these
Headquarters the nnmbsr cf contracts
made the number Of Freedmen contracted
with and every other matter Of importlnes
or interest connected with this business
They will also 10 the full extent OF their
power enforce the faithful performance o!
the conditions Of these contracts.
The interest Of Freedmen will be care.
fully guarded and their rights 10 every 70.
spect protected, but nj The sams time they
must be compelled 70 fulfill their sgr.s,
nrn,., and II idle Or vicious must bs pun.
ished.
No effort should bo spared to correct the
erroneous impression that prevails among
freedmen in regard 10 division Of land
that II Is not necessary for them to make
contrncts--or that they will be permitted
Of the cOantry.
RALPH ELEY.
Brevt. Brig. GenI. and Acting
Assistant Commissioner.