From the Mississippi Department of Archives and History Governor Alcorn Collection. Letter from George Fletcher, an African American man in Washington County, Mississippi, to Mississippi Governor James L. Alcorn, expressing his concern with the ability of African American people to make a living off the land when they are being charged $10 for an acre or two for rent. Fletcher asks Alcorn if he could make some arrangement for relief.

From the Mississippi Department of Archives and History Governor Sharkey Collection. Order No. 1 from Colonel and Provost Marshal William E. Bayley taking command of the Militia of Bolivar County, Mississippi, and requiring all planters to make contracts with their workers.