The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1865-11-18
RATES OF ADVERTISING.

of your freedom. 1t Is true that some have
realized the responsibilities that freedom has
brought upon them, and have been faithful
and obedient to their employers. But MANY
of you have become impudent, lazy and disre-
spectful to those to whom you must look for
your support. Many are idling and loafing
away their time around towns and CAMPS,
while their families are suffering for food and
clothing, and many without shelter. You
alone are accountable for the sad fate that
awaits you. $751;.
Since ! came among you have learned the
TACT that as people you have very little re-
gard for the truth. In fact, | have lost all
confidence IN your veracity, and know not
when or whom to believe ! find that you
are disposed to utter falsehoods when the truth
would answer your purpose far better. "
Hereafter those coming to me for the pur-
pose OF getting justice in cases between them
selves and employers must come with the
truth; If not, they must not expect me to as
sist them in their difficulties. Such lies as
you tell are not only impostions upon me, but
upon the public, and must be stopped.
| have ascertained that many of you object
to the system of written contracts This is
another evidence of your ignorance of freedom.
Written contracts are the only safeguards to
free labor 1t is simply the binding of two
or more parties to fulfil voluntary agree
ment or agreements between themselves and
employers These contracts are in no way
connected with slavery, but system adopted
by free labor everywhere. By making con-
tracts In writing you bind yourselves to do
certain labor; the same contract oblgates
your employer to pay you for that labor. A
contract is the proof Of your agreement, and
l advise that you make all agreements in wri-
ting, fulfil them to the letter, and the laws
will ever see that you have your rights, For
another year adopt this system, and by COM
plying with your agreement you will have. no
trouble in collecting your just dues. ''''iA g
II has been reported to me that in some
portions of this district, Freedmen are holding
secret meetings This is against the laws, and
must be prevented, and any persons holding
or participating in such meetings will be ar
rested and punished most severely What
the objects of these meetings are I know not,
but no good can arise. from them, but much
harm. f..
4 also wish to caution you against one other
matter that is as regards your right to vote.
You have other and more important matters to
attend to now Never agitate this question,
but leave it for others to settle. In order to
vote, man should be educated. You are not.
Had you that right in your present situation,
it would be curse to you-you would be as
so many tools in the hands of bad men and
politicians. So dream not, talk not, of things
that at this time would be to your disadvall-
tage and to your injury. ''ll Ai:.E ~
In conclusion, let me say that this circular
is sent to you for your good, for your own
benefit. Live and govern yourselves by it,
and ere six months you will thank me for the
advice and instruction contained in it. You
must do for yourselves or can do but little
for you. The Opportunity is now offered you
of becoming great and prosperous people
In order to accomplish this you must labor,
live honestly,uprightly and in the fear of God,
0'+ JOHN G. BARNETT, .'e !
Capt. and Asst. Supt. Z. NJ B.