Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1866-06-07
THE WILMINGTON JOURNAL.
WILMINGTON, N. c., JUNE 1, 1866.
Edgecombe County.

Edgecombe County.
We are pleased to state from our observations
and inquiries during recent business Vlslt TO ou1
old home that affairs in Edgecombe county are
fully as favorable as could be expected AT no
point we have visited since the termination OF the
war, is there such visible evidences OF the deter
mination of the people to accept the situation OF
affairs and by industry and an honest performance
of all their duties citizens to restore the former
prosperity of their county and rebuild their own
fallen fortunes. On every hand, plantations that
have to some extent lain idle during the last lew
years. give certain indication of Intelligent ana
systematic labor, and, while probably there Is an
absence of the od-time vgor and activity IL Will
be COMPENSATED by the more urgent necessities OF
employer and employe.
We were told by an experienced planter that
there had never been so many acres OF cotton
planted to the hand in Edgecombe as has been
done the present Spring. but he did not think
there was at work in the field the number former
ly employed, and from our inquiries we were LED
10 believe that both of these opinions were cor
rect. The hands now employed are, however, OF
n better class than formerly, and will be better
able to comply with the apparentincreaseddem demand
upon them Formerly all slaves who were able to
earn their bread, were sent to the field, but now
only such as will at least perform an average days
work are employed for the purpose of cult1Vahng
cotton And we are lead to belive that larger
force is employed in its cultivation than is sup
posed by many of the citizens of the county, on
account of O marked difference in the system OF
farming, consequent upon the change of the status
of the negro.
There are few if any of the leading planters who
are working as many hands as they formerly did,
and this leading feature is calculated to deceive as
to the quantity of acres planted and the number
of laborers engaged On the other hand, but few
of the farmers who formerly owned no slaves, or
but very limited number, who have not mater-
ally increased their laboring force while not few
freedmen are cultivating small places upon their
own account
As a. general rule there is but little complaint
in regard to labor. The freedmen, in this coun-
ty. are working with much industry, which
makes the citizens hopeful of their being con-
tented and happy laborers under their changed
condition This is owing doubtless to former
good training and present proper management on
the part of the employers, and a sensible and
equitable influence exerted by Capt Cox, of the
Freedmens Bureau, who seems to give satisfaction
to all classes by the honest administration of his
delicate duties. The freedmen also, in that sec
ton, are free from the poisonous influences of
Radical preachers, who in other portions OF the
State are sowing the seeds of discord and ruin in
the hearts of the negro.
The largest cotton crop ever raised in Edge
combe was twenty-five thousand bales. The cal
culations of those who are competent to Judge
and have had the opportunity Of forming a cor
rect opinion, estimate the present crop, with an
81, To and
bales The cotton is now small, owing to the ex-
traordinary cold season, but the stand throughout
the county is very good, and the weed looks
healthy.
We noticed with pleasure one fact which speaks
volumes for the individuals themselves and &
county which was among the first and most unan-
imous in support of the late war. It is the
avidity with which so many of the gallant sons
of Edgecombe have thrown aside their armor,
which they buckled on at the call of their coun-
try, and gone to work. We found many bat
tle-scarred heroes laboring with zeal and
enthusiasm second only to that which they ezhl-
bited at the beginning of the war; in the unexcitng
and arduous duties made necessary by It's adverse
close. Many brave soldiers of this county have re-
versed the example of Cincinnatus-noble men,
whose faded and weatherstained attire yet bear the
marks of military rank heroically won, or are the
proud possessorso of badges of honor obtained
exhibition of gaantry unsurpassed in history have
exchanged "the pomp and circumstance of
for the unpretending labors of the farm, lit
orally turning the sword and bayonet into the
ploughshare and pruning hook emulating in the
quiet industry at home their imposing deeds on
the battlefield. May the victories of peace prove
more profitable than those of