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Office Bureau Refugees, Freedman & A.L.
District of Huntsville Alabama
May 18th 1866.

Col. C. Cadle,
A.A. General:

In answer to your inquiry which reached me today relative to the destitution in the District of North Alabama, and the gratuitous distribution of rations therein, I have the honor to submit the following report.

The destitution which prevailed in the district, during the last winter and early spring was real and alarming, and the charitable giving of food on the part of the Government, has been a God-send to very many who, otherwise must have starved.

Prior to the 1st of May, the issues of rations in the district, have been one hundred and fifty thousand per month;. This quantity, so far as I could judge, seemed sufficient - not that it supported all who desired such aid; for any one observing a distribution of rations, especially in the more remote sections, cannot fail to perceive a certain eagerness to receive something for nothing, in many, who will be found, on a little pointed questioning