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and allow me the back rations, should I not be able to reach the place punctually to a day, as it will be impossible for me to do so, surrounded as I am with so many difficulties and circumstances. I think the suffering poor of this county are justly entitled to 137 rations per day, and will not more than amount to quarter rations at that distributed among that class that actually need them. I dont see why they should be strictly put upon soldier's rule by not allowing them back rations as we receive them in bulk and 30 days at a time. I would think any day in the month would do as the object is to relieve the suffering poor  I also learn it is quite common to see government rations selling in Greenville by private individuals  This I think is wrong as it is almost robbing the dead. I feel it my duty to drop these hints that the Evil ones may be detected and made suffer is my apology for mentioning it. Hoping that the motives that prompted me to write this letter may be favorably considered and duly appreciated. I am General

Your Most Obedient Servant
Thomas P. Cottle
Judge of Probate

Maj. Genl. Swayne
Montgomery
Ala.            Address me at Greenville

[[left margin]] Recd May 2" 66 [[/left margin]]