p did very poorly, and gave out long before its time.
Where the Government corn was thus worked, the yield averages, I
suppose, six to ten bushels, the nigger-field, meantime, bearing twice
as much, where they had manure.

Wherever the people have been able to look forward to the result of
the crop as beneficial to them, they have shown industry, care, and
energy in putting it through. There is much laziness to be overcome in
them, however; even in tending their own crops they sometimes neglect
well-known precautions because they cost too much trouble. But the
best of them have carried their own crops well, and their example is
beneficial in stimulating the lazier ones to exertion. There is a good
deal of emulation among them; they will not sit quietly and see
another earning all the money. And it is far better to adapt the
system to the intelligence of the best than to treat them all, as one
occasionally has to treat one or two, in special matters, like mere
children. I am sure a large number of them could get through the year
without any pecuniary aid from Government, on the simple assurance
that they should be paid for their crop when they had picked it. I am
often urged by the best of the people not to trouble myself about the
means of doing work, but just to tell them to do the work, and expect
to see it done, and not encourage them to ask for help to do
everything. "They kin do it, sir; don't you worry yeurself, sir; they
kin find herself, sir." They have not been working cotton for nothing
for so many years under their masters. They recollect how their
masters used to treat the land and crops, and what treatment proved
most successful. They need supervision and direction constantly, if
only to prevent fighting when one says "I free," "I as much right to
ole missus' things as you," etc., and more than all, they need the
presence and conversation of a white man, not only to elevate them,
but to encourage and stimulate them.

There is but one opinion expressed. "We won't be driven by nobody;" "I
don't want no driving, either by black man or white man." "We don't
want de whole valler of de cotton. De land belongs to de Gover_ment_,
de mule and ting on de place belong to de Gover_ment_, and we have to
'spect to pay somef'n for um. But you just pay us our share, accordin'
as we make crop, and if you live to see, Marsa Charlie, and God spare
life, you'll _see a crop on dis place next year_." "There will be a
differenc