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10 hundred thousand. But the destruction of values to the extent of one hundred and fifty millions, besides investments to an extent still greater in property in men, the death in war of thirty five thousand of the able bodied, and mostly of the power class, the fact that the soldiers were absent and the freedmen disorganized until too late to make a crop, and the blighting severity of the summer's drought, gave it a sad and stern aspect of probability. The freedmen besides were to be counted though not in proportion to their numbers. Their women were generally inured to work, and in the cotton districts there was great demand for their experienced labor. Their old and infirm quite generally found shelter among those for whom their lives were spent, and who, as a class, have something left. Still, the infirm and destitute were not a few. At the same time, the evils incident to discretionary expenditure, the imperfections and undoubted mischief of any such distribution, and the great number of persons who will claim any good that is gratuitous, led me to hope and believe that the issue by the Government might at no time exceed fifteen thousand reduced rations daily, though I thought further provision should be made against emergency. In my letter of January 31st, you were advised that the estimate for February did not exceed this limit. Those for March and April were for the same amount. There was considerable demand for an increase, but meanwhile private exertion was on foot, the Governor was trying to sell the bonds of the State to buy food, and after that failed to buy food with the bonds, and I thought it right to wait the result of both these, before carrying a discretionary power any further beyond its probable intention. But early last month, statements of destitution commenced to increase rapidly in prevalence and emphasis, communications coming in from all quarters. The money obtained by those of the power classes who had saved a little cotton was all spent the scanty crop of cereals was about consumed, and the word "starving" began to be in circulation in reference to some counties. Only a little money could be raised on bonds, and private effort gave but partial relief. To preserve life, the estimate for this month was raised to twenty thousand three hundred rations, as I had said 11 I should do if emergency arose. At the same time, in addition to previous inspection and reports, the officer who is next me, and who has my entire confidence, was sent out to make special examination. His return is expected daily. For this reason, and because the increase is hardly yet in full flow, while I do freely agree with the State Commissioner as to the extent of destitution, I think we ought to see the effect of what has been done, before adding to the very large quantity already supplied. In this, however, I am in part governed by considerations not applicable to private charity, for which there is every demand and opportunity. I am, General, Very Respectfully, Your Obedient Servant, (Sgd) Wager Swayne. Asst. Commissioner Office Asst Commissioner B.R.F and A L Montgomery Ala May 7th 1866 Howard O.O. Major Genl. Commissioner Washington D.C. General I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt on the 6th inst of (150) one hundred and fifty blank forms "Minor Sisters Pension" (Army). Very Respectfully Your obdt Servant (Sgd) Wager Swayne Bvt Major General.
