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156 and carefully distributed of which you will have notice. We are getting through the Winter with less suffering so far than was anticipated but as the advancing season exhausts the little stock on hand we learn of localities where destitution is severe. I have to thank you and your friends for this contribution, which will be of great service. The behavior of the freed people during the holidays has been admirable. In no case attempting violence, in a few instances suffering it, there has yet been a quiet assertion of their rights, as being free, which promises well for the future. I am. Sir. Very Respectfully, Your Obt Servt Brvt Maj Gen Office Assistant Commissioner Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands Montgomery Ala. Jany 4th 1866 Gen John T. Croxton Macon, Georgia Dear General; I am in receipt of your note of 15th [[ult.?]] I thought it best after all to ask Gen Howard for authority to proceed finally and have done so. If you will come here however I will make some arrangement by which you can take immediate 157 possession, subject to a future agreement as to price, which I will take immediate measures to ascertain. Very Respectfully, Your Obt Servt, Brvt Maj Gen Office Assistant Commissioner Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands Montgomery Ala. Jany 5th 1866 Brvt Maj [[G.?]]. H. Elderkin [see note on transcription] Depot Commissary Mobile Ala. Major: I mailed to you on the 27th [ult?] in accordance with Circulars from Department Headquarters and from the War Department offices of this Bureau my estimate of subsistence stores required to be supplied from your Depot during the current month. It was not quite so large as I had stated to you it probably would be, as I wished to keep entirely on the safe side. On the other hand I gave notice that sudden and urgent calls would perhaps come in during the month, beyond this estimate. Information comes to hand of an increasing probability of each call. Meanwhile I am not advised of the receipt of my estimate. I should feel easier if I were certain it was being filled. Will you have the goodness to reply at your early convenience. Very Respectfully, Your Obt Servnt
Transcription Notes:
The full letter on p. 157 appears to be written to Major William Anthony Elderkin -- see this:
"March 13,1865, he was appointed Major by Brevet, for faithful and meritorious services during the Rebellion. He was ordered to Mobile, Ala., Aug. 1865, where he was Chief Commissary of the Department of Alabama to Dec, 1865; purchasing and depot Commissary at same place up to Jan. 23,1867...."
Source here:
http://rs5.loc.gov/master/gdc/scdser01/200401/books_on_film_project/bodpdfs/20060731012ge.pdf