The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1865-10-21
SATURDAY MORNING, OCT, 2l, 1855.

zy and disrespec,ful to those to whom
you must look for your support. Many
are idling and loafing away their time
around towns and camps, while their sam
lilies are suffering for food and clothing,
and many without shelter. You alone
are accountable for the sad fate that
awaits you.
Since came among you have learn
ed the fact that as people you have very
little regard for the truth In fact, have
lost al! confidence in your veracity, and
know not when or whom TO believe. |
tind that you are disposed TO utter false
hoods when the truth would answer your
purpose ia. better.
Hereafter those coming 20 me for the
!, purpose Of getting justice. in cases be
tween themselves and employers, must
come with the truth il not they mus.
not expect me to assist them in their
difficulties. Such lies as you tell are no,
only 'mPositions upon me, but upon the
public. and must be stopped.
have ascertained that many OF YOU
| object to Ibe system Of written contracts.
Ibis is another evidence Of your igno
rance OF freedom. Written contracts
are The only safeguards to free labor
1t is simply the binding of two or more
parties TO fulfill voluntary agreement or
agreements between themselves and EN-
plcyers. These contracts are in no way
connected with slavery, but system
adopted by free labor everywhere. By
making contracts in writing you bind
Yourselves to do certain labor; the same
contract otligates your employer to pay
you for that labor. A contract is the
proof Of your agreement, aud, | advise
thst you make all agreements 10 writing.
fulfill them to the letter and the laws will
ever see that you have your rights. For
another year adopt this system, and by
complying with your agre ement you will
have no trouble in collecting your just
dues.
1t has been reported 10 me th>. in
some portions Of this diatrict, Freed men
are holding secret meetings. This is
against the laws, and must be prevented
aod any persons holding or participating
In such meetings will be arrested and
punished most severely. What the ob.
jects Of these meetings are | know not,
but no good can arise from them, but
much harm.
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. New
or 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
70 our disadvantage and to your injury.
In conclusion, let me say that this Cir.
cu!ar is sent 10 you for your good, for
your own benefit. Live and govern your
selves by il, and ere six months you will
thank me for the advice and instruction
contained in, it. You must do for your
selves, or can do but little for YOU
The opportunity is now offered you OF be
coming great and prosperous people
In order to accomplish this you must la.
Dor, live hon es;ly. uprigh,iy and in the
fear Of God. J. g. BARNETT,
:. Capt. and Asst. Supt. F.N. B.
II