Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1865-10-30
LETTER FROM ORANGE CO., VA.

LETTER FROM ORANGE co., VA.
Correspondence of the Alexandria Gazette.]
GoRDoNsVILLE, Va, Oct. 28, 1665.--The
operations of the Freedmen's Bureau are pro-
crossing favorably in this locality. Under the
new system of free labor, the freedmen are
generally at work for wages and apparently
disposed to render themselves useful and re-
liable as employees. Few cases OF vagrancy
exist, and the number receiving Government
aid IS confined to few orphan children.
A meeting of the citizens and freedmen OF
Gordonsville and it's vicinity was held on Fri
dav, the 9th inst, for thepurpose ofchooslng
the persons who are to be associated With the
Assistant Superintendent at this place.. IN the
formation of q Freedmen's Court. A large
number of the negroes were present, and
goodly representation OF the white population.
The meeting was addressed by Capt. Gran
don, Superintendent of the 4th District OF this
State He first alluded to some OF the false
notions, SO prevalent among the freedmen,
and which were having mlsch.eyous influence
upon them lst. The idea that lands were to
be distributed among them by the Govern
ment. This they were told would not be done:
that the only way in which lands or homes
could be acquired by them was by purchase; /;
and they were urged to industry and economy,
IN order that they might become possessors OF
their own homes, and thus be independent OF
charity or assistance.
ID, Some Of the freedmen have been afraid
to make contracts, on account OF report that
# thew agreed to work for a man tor year,
they would be compelled to work for four years
afterwards for nothing He said you have
beer made freemen, and the Government will
maintain that freedom forever. You cannot,
under any circumstances, be reduced to slavery
again. Your contract binds you to it's provls
ions for the time it exists; aside from this you
have the same liberty after the contract IS
made as before, and when the contract has ex-
pired you are as free to make new contract
as YOU are now to make the first one. BE
faithful to your bargains for labor, work hon
esty for those who employ you, and by the
interest you take in the work you are employ
ed to do, convince your former masters that
their best interests is to treat you generously
and employ you in preference to others.
Next, the responsibilities OF parents to pro,
vide for their families, and the Importance OF
lawful marriages and the strict observance OF
the obligations imposed by the marriage rela-
ton was urged upon them. He made an earn
Oou dppCdl w CACAI w dAAe .AASH1
men, and by honesty, sobriety and industry
convince the people of Va, and the country,
that the freedom, which had been conferred
upon them, was worthlly bestowed.
The captain was listened to with attention boy
the citizens, and the people here are generally
pleased with his remarks.
DR.. David Pannill, (on behalf of the citizens)
and Rev Fl. NJ Linney, ION part OF the
backs) were chosen as members OF the Freed
mems Court.
Chaplain Wardner, the Assistant Superin-
tendent at Gordonsvile, made few pertinent
and acceptable remarks, with a happy effect
Similar meetings have been held IN different
parts Of the District with good results, and 1t
hoped that the colored mems mass meeting
at this place will not be exceptional In this res
pect.
hetravel and freight on the 0. & A. f.
R. and the Virginia Central r. E., is increas-
Ing daily and there could not be found two
more competent, reliable and accommodating
men than the agents Of the two roads at
roads at this point, Messrs Jas. 4. Evans and
W. W Dunn. OBSERVER.
a daring murder and robbery we're committed
III Baltimore yesterday, about noon, IN pho
tOgranhic saloon adioininp the Sun neWsDaDer