There are some things of which I am fully persuaded, by my short residence at the South; one of these is, that the colored people in this country are not dying out. I occasionally hear it said that they are. Possibly the wish is father to the thought. But they are not only here to stay, but they are here to multiply and increase as did the Jews in Egypt; and they are already so large a factor in our population that their character and condition are to affect the character and welfare of our country far more than is generally realized. I have been happily disappointed in witnessing the industry and thrift of the Freedmen as mechanics and common laborers; the colored men seem to do very nearly all the work which is done, and with the aid of the women, who are equally industrious, they secure an honest and, what is to them, a comfortable living. The most dependent and least progressive class of the Freedmen are those who work the plantations on shares. The planter dictates his own terms to the tenant—furnishes him team and tools at his own price—sells him provisions on credit at rates far above the cash market price, and then charges interest, fixing the per cent. to suit himself. When the crop is gathered, if the renter does not find himself in debt to his landlord, he is more fortunate than many. He rarely finds himself richer for his summer’s work. The simple rules of arithmetic, thoroughly understood by the tenant, will remedy all this; and when I hear the colored children at school reciting the multiplication table so enthusiastically, I am sure it is a prophecy of a “good time coming” to them. My observation convinces me that the colored people are very desirous for the education of their children, and that their children acquire learning with as much facility as any other class. Let all the colored children and youth of the Southern States have access to schools conducted by competent teachers, and in a very few years they will solve the political and social problems that are just now so embarrassing. They will not only take care of themselves, but they will be very valuable auxiliaries in taking care of the nation. I find in the colored churches of different denominations specimens of very estimable Christian character. I find, also, just those infirmities which I should expect if God made the Caucasian and the African of the same blood. I have found the colored congregations very decorous and eagerly attentive to the preaching of the Gospel. I find them quite accessible for religious conversation, and apparently thankful for the interest manifested in their behalf. They furnish, therefore, a field for Christian effort that is full of promise. If there is another missionary field more inviting, or promising richer harvests to faithful culture, I know not where it is found.