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I have however written Capt. Platt, informing him that I was willing to act in the matter & use my best efforts to give efficiency to the munificence of our noble & generous Government in behalf of those who are [[underlined]] really [[/underlined]] deserving its benefits. I have received no further communication on the subject but have been instrumental in supplying to a limited extent the wants of a few from the depot now established at Rodney - 16 miles from here.

The destitution is principally among the whites-widows & their orphan children. there are however some aged negroes who have been cast off by their former owners. 

2nd. The crops of 1866 consisted of cotton & small plantings of corn & potatoes. These were all small owing to unpropitious seasons & the change from forced to free labor then in its incipiency.

[[underlined]] 3rd [[/underlined]]. The present year there is a much larger proportion of corn, potatoes &c. planted & less cotton. than last. The crops as a general thing look well-especially corn  The season thus far has been too wet to be favorable to cotton, it notwithstanding has a very good appearance except that it is too grassy & rather backward, owing to the lateness of the Spring.

4th. The attention of Southern people here is not much given to the raising of Cattle & hogs-not so much as during the war. as it then was a matter of stern necessity.