Viewing page 10 of 257

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

Mobile Alabama
Dec 17th 1866

Maj Genl. Wager Swayne
Comdg. Dist. Ala. Com. R.F. Ls. &c

Genl.
You doubtless recollect that last summer you gave me a discretionary Order to take Mary Dyer a child about ten or 12 years of age to her Mother Louisa Dyer residing in Chicago.  The child had been stuffed with [strikethrough]] & [[/strikethrough]] "bugbears" about the "Yankees" and was unwilling to go.  The mother is in good circumstance, or is making a comfortable living.  I called upon her when in Chicago and I knew this to be the case.  She is very anxious to get her child, and from the girls story, and that of neighbors near by, she is still treated as "chattel" and has no privliges of day or Sabbath school.  Her former owner Mrs. Smith is in Kentucky and she put the girl in charge of a Mrs. Saddler.  They will let, or express a willingness to let us have the girl when the proper order from you is produced.  Will you please give me an order to take the child, and care for her until such time as she can safely be sent to her mother?  We are expecting an opportunity to send her north by a responsible party about the holidays. An order for transportation is also desired for her.
Very Resfuly Submitted,
Your &c
E.C. Branch
Box 812

Transcription Notes:
4-19-2021: "bigheads" should be transcribed as "bugbears"; "bugbear" - a cause of obsessive fear, irritation, or loathing. the word "bigheads" doesn't seem to be correct but its difficult to determine what it actually is