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utterly destroyed, her shade trees cut down, her shrubbery trampled out of existence and even the land itself in the possession of a stranger. Little consolation is it for her to be able to say that she had no part in bringing all this about; it brings nothing back again. 

The "McDowell estate" is almost hopelessly insolvent. One or two successful crops may extricate the family from these embarassments. The  prospect is not encouraging, but it is the only prospect there is. It is asked that an order be issued giving Mrs M. the place, subject to the rights of the present lessers, Messrs E. Wing & Co. who appear to have leased of the Treas Dept. 600 acres. And as it would aid greatly in the preparations for next years crop, can not immediate possession be given of the 
unleased portion. Mrs McDowel wishes some place to go to. 

Respectfully &c. Mrs J.M. McDowell. 
per Geo. C, McKid

Col Thomas;-

I have presented this petition for Mrs. McDowell not as her attorney, but as her friend and relative. Simple justice only, is asked for. The family have been in no-wise to blame. Even if they had been, the United States Govt seeks not to punish women & children: much less will it oppress the innocent. 

Geo, C, McKid