The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1865-12-23
Circular.


In order to avoid the evils that must
necessarily follow n failure on the part OF
employers and fread,neH to enter into c)n-
tracts for the ensuing year, it has bven de-
termined to require that contracts be made
immediately. The accompanying form has
been adopted and win be observed.
1t is hoped that the stipulation in this
form providing for tbs continuance Of these
contracts after the restoration Of civil au.
lhority under such rules and regulations
as may be adopted by the Legislature of
this State will prove satisfactory to all par
ties. il is recommended that as 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, aid that care be taken to
pro'ide for the maintenance of the helpless
and inIirm. This will be most easily se-
cured by paying the Freedmen for the.
labor in Clothing. food, shelter and medi
cal attendance, aud such additional wages
in money rs may te agreed upon.
Commanding officers of Sub. Districts
will designate an officer at each Court
House in the Sub. Di-trct, to act as Agent
for the Freedmen's Bureau, and to take
charge of the making Of contracts. This
officer associated with two citizens of the
Military District, Magistrates, it they can
be obtained will constitute board under
the provisions Of Circular No. s. from
lieadS unrters Of the Bureau In cases
whore the employer and Freeemen cannot
agree upoI the terms of the contract, thi,
board, after a careful eAaL.ina:isa Of all
the facts, will fix the terms. ;: =
The two citizens, members Of the boari
shall be paid three dollars per day for the
time actually engaged ia the discharge Of
their duty-he account to he certified to
by the officer associated with them. and mp
prove by the Sub. District Commander.
TO dcfrav the necessary expenses Of
these proceedings. n fee of ff,y cents shall
be charged and collected for each Freed.
man so employed.-in cases where ten or
less number are emp!Uyed. il more than
ten, twenty-five cents will DO collected for
each additional freedmen SO EMPLOYED
the entire fee to be paid by the employer
These fees will be collec ed by the officer
in charge and accounted for TO the Sub.
Commissioner.
No disbursement by him will be allowed
except the per diem Of tho associate mem.
bers Of the beard upon approved accounts.
A weekly report will bs made by him 10
the Sub. Assistant Commissioner which
will be accompanied bv a correct copy Of
all contracts entered into. Sub. Assistant
Commissioners will report weekly to these
Headquarters the number Cf contracts
made the number of Freedmen contracted
with and every other matter Of importance
or interest connected with this business
They will also to the full extent of their
power enforce the f.i,hful performance Of
the conditions IF these contracts.
The interest Of Freedmen will be care
fully guarded and their rights in every re.
spect protected, but at The same time they
must be compelled to fulfil their agree
ments, and if idle or vicious muet'b pun
ished. >" -
No effort should be spared TO correct the
erroneous impression that prevails among
freedmsn in regard TO division Of land
that It is not necessary for them to make
contrncts-or that they will be permitted
to 60 in great Numbers to any other part
OF the country.
RAIPII ELEY.
Brevt. Brig, Gcn'l. and Acting