Douglass Day 2024

This is to certify that we the undersigned were hands employed or working for shan on the Crops of Cotton & Cor{?] made by Anthony Owens Phoelon Dyer Paul Jones and William Gartin [?] on the Black Baou plantation [?] in the years of 1865, 1866, & 1868, that we have been shown the power of attorney that was made by them to J.O. Simmons, it bearing date June 22nd 1868, that its contents was read & explained to us, that we fully endorse & ratify the same as much so as if we were a party to the Same - specially [?] and we do hereby delegate unto J.O. Simmons power to represent our interest on the connection that we occupy as Employees under the said Owens, Dyer Jones & Gartin with a full transfer of all our respective [interest], dues and deshans[?] upon the said parties with him the said J. O.Simmons Black Baou plantation June 22, 1868

[Edith?] [Lacrofse?] Democrat [please?] publish Country SCount Formint Having a love of country at least, and, believing that a union of feeling, and Sentiment North & South is necessary to a perpetuity of our government, I respectfully suggest that a possibulity Exists, that an antagonistic feeling occupies, and rules the action of people, both north and South, which by a Candid invesligation, might be removed__ It is to be presumed, that Each party may be equally honest, and yet differ widely in their conclusions upon the same Subject investigated therefore ought always, Cheerfully to [acknowledge?] the same right & privaleges unto others, that we ask for ourselves, especially the right of opinion; Surrounding Circumstances & influences, together with Early Educated [?] & preconceived [?] has much to do in forming our judgment, and basing the rule, that govern our [actions?] towards our fellow men, Hence the necessity of [Candan?] Government is the great, & important question, before the United States to-day - Our people are divided upon this Subject. They are led by two parties; both professing to represent the government upon its true basis - what is its basis is the first and important question- The policy of its citizens is its base. That [policy?] entered into by & between the States, is [Stiled?] The Constitution of the United States. By its rule we are to be governed - by its terms we are bound both north, South, East & West - The Soverignty of the States has made this [rule?] supreme– under its terms,, Congress has its guide for the laws over these United States which laws are [the?] Supreme laws of the land Any law of Congress not in harmony with the constitution, and so declared by the supreme Court of the united States, is a nulity

papers refered to Maj Bates [Col?] Warren please not let a [prefs?] of business cause a delay of the examination of Capt Masters report & the accompaning papers in the case of Freedman Dyer & others vs Govy Hood Two years and over the Freedmen have sought a settlement, both before the [Bureau] & with Mr Hood. They never have been able to get a Settlement, or get as much as one dollar for their Crops of 1865 & 1866. - Mr Hood Sold the entire crop of 1865, and pocketed the money as the Freedmen believe - 1866 crop by virtue of a lien I hold their interest to an undivided 1/2- of 28 [tie?] or 33 commercial bales- [over?]

Dyer, Owens, Jones and [?] certificate of the transfer of the interest of the hands under them [January 7/68 ?]

Copy of letter to Govy Hood, proposing a basis for a settlement of all accounts between him and the Freedmen on the Black Byou plantation for the years 1865 & 1866 as proposed by E. H. Masters A. S. A. Conner[?] Laker Providence June 11, 1868 Mr Govy Hood Hoods Plantation Sir In reply to the inquiry upon basis, the Bureau wishes to effect a settlement between you and the Freedmen for 65 & 66. I have to state that of the Black Byou place will be made by your allowing 2/3 of the crop to the freedmen which will be allowing you 1/3 for the use of your land; secondly that your bills will be reduced to the total cost of the several articles sold to the freedmen, this to be ascertained by your producing bills of purchase, 10 pr ct will be allowed you upon the said total cost. Remembering always that in case of their being claims from other parties for supplies furnished to cultivate said crop, they will if just, take priosity individual indebtedness The same principle will govern[ment] the

Settlement for 1866, Except the share of the Crop, in which case we will be governed by the contract on file in this office, other bills presented by the freedman to be allowed by you, in so far as just and proper [to be allowed by you, in so far as just & proper] For the purpose of showing the diference between the settlement thare was made and disapprooved and one made in accordance with instructions - [o furnish?] for Example that of Paul Jones, for the year 1865 As Settled - amt of Bill [for?] Jones $656,57 By Cotton [a/e?] 1865 563,52 Work & Cash 900 [Bole due you?] 572,57 572,57 $84,00 As to Settle Amt of Cotton due P Jones $1027,14 Work & Cash $99,80 $1126,94 Less of your bill $325.00 Amt due Freedman $801,94 For this lost bill there are charges by both parties that are [excessive?] & not according to justice & equity, In order to avoid a long case of litigation - I will assume the responsibility of basing the Settlement on one half the crop of satisfactory to you, which will reduce 801.84 to

to $620.16, and at the same time give to you what is now required for the use of land, teams tools & the expense of the same. Hoping that this will meet with you approbation I am Sir very respectfully [Coury?] your obedient Servant EH Masters A SA [Coury?]

& lawful agent & Attorney to do [J. O Simmons[?]] & perform all such acts as I [Power of Attorney [?]] might do & perform under said [J. H. Wilson] Power of Attorney hereby ratifying & confirming the same & holding them as binding on me as if I had been present & performing the same Done & signed in presen of under signed witness on this 14th day of Oct 1868 J. O. Simmon witness C. A De Fran[?]

know all men by these presents[?] that whereas I have been appointed by Phelon Dyen, Anthona Oweny, Paul Jones & William Gaither their agent & Attorney to settle and arrange all matters of settlement between them & me the undersigned for the year 1865. 1866. 1867 & 1868 in the furnishing of supplies & holdings[?] with them on the Black Bayou Plantation owned by Gov[e?]y Hood & whereas I am about to be absent temporarily from the Parish of Caroll & State of Louisiana, now I do by these presents & under & by virtue of the power given me under said power of Attorney of date June 27. 1868. constitute and appoint in my new plan & stead Mr James H. Wilion of said Parish & state. my true

Office Asst Sub Asst Comr In Ref ? and A Lands La Lake Providence La. June 8th 1868 To Fielding Dyer, Wm Gaiter, Hoods Plantation Anthony Owen and Parrl Jones, All of you are requested to come to this office, on Saturday next June 13th 1860, P.M. On business of importance to you. very Respectfully

E.H. Masters

Apt Sub apt Comr