An Experiment of Free Labor

IBERVLLE PARISH, La., Aug. 1, 1865.

To the Freedmen's Aid Association of New Orleans:

GENTLEMEN—I am a planter of twelve years' experience. This year I am working twelve hands, six men and six women; my laborers are to get one fourth of the net proceeds of the crops. They have a full understanding of their interest in the said crops Our contract was made on the 1st of February last, and the result so far is a complete success; we have to day 85 arpents of cotton; 25 arpents of sugar canes; 75 arpents of corn, all in perfect condition. I don't mention the vegetable crops.

Under the old system ten arpents to the hand was considered a fair result, and more than three fourths of the plantartions failed to come to that standard.

My labores are all good people, behaving well, having good common sense; they are honest and true to their family. Besides the crop in common, they have raised for their private account small crops of corn and vegetables. They have poultry, etc. of their own.

Not a single difficulty has occurred among them since they have agreed to work on my farm.

I remain, gentlemen,
respectfully yours,

X.