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out of a hundred, the freedpeople are in an absolute state of destitution at the present time, with starvation staring them in the face, as almost the entire population connected with the planting interest, are out of employment - The condition of the white population is but little better than that of the negroes as they have made every sacrifice of property, and taxed their credit to the utmost, and have failed, utterly failed in most instances, and everything invested being a total loss precludes all hopes of the same parties engaging in the same business next year-
[[left margin]] Population in a state of want and destitution [[/left margin]]

It would be impossible to exaggerate, or overstate the prostrated and ruined condition of this population with scarcely a ray of light or hope for them in the future - The next Sixty days will, in my opinion, develop indescribable destitution and suffering-
[[left margin]] Impossible to exaggerate the ruined condition of the people [[/left margin]]

I am very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
Jas Biddle
Capt 24th U. S. Infantry
Bvt Lieut Col U.S.A.
Sub. Asst. Comr