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has become so unpleasant, that it becomes my duty to propound a few questions direct to thee.

1st. Has the said A.S.C authority in admitting, dismissing, correcting or educating, to such an extent, if to any extent, as to control, direct, or embarrass the Superintendent in any or all of his duties, actions, measures, or general line of conduct?

2d Can he insist on having any child bound out to service contrary to the wishes of the Superintendent & of the child, separating it far from brothers, sisters, or other relatives, when the Superintendent could procure homes where they might be together, or near each other?

3d When a child, having a mother unable to provide for it, has been admitted into the Asylum, with his approval, has he the right or authority to insist that said child shall be bound out at a great distance from the mother, and where she has reason to believe it would be cruelly treated, &, in case of her refusal to consent, to throw such child out of the Asylum, on the plea that the mother has secured a precarious employment at which she is able to labor for small wages, but which she is liable to lose any day.

I regret exceedingly, a stranger personally to thee as I am, the necessity that calls for this communication, & the seeming impossibility of conducting the affairs of the Asylum pleasantly, or so beneficially as they might be, unless these matters could be more definitely settled.

If this communication should find sufficient favor to induce thee to examine into the matter, for full information on the subject, I would refer thee to the officer of the Bureau late in command in this district now in Washington City. He is well acquainted with the state of affairs here, as he was once located here as A.S.C. and subsequently remained in command of the district till very lately. His address is "Capt. Henry E. Rainals, care of J.C. Kondrup, Danish Consul, 432 Carrol Place, 1st St. Capitol Hill, Washington D.C."

For information as to my character & standing, I would refer thee to the U.S. Senators & members of Congress from the state of Minnesota. 

Very respectfully submitted by
Wm W. Wales,
Superintendt Howard Orphan Asylum,
Lauderdale, Miss.