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done by the Government to prevent suffering. During the few days that I have been at home women and children have been calling at our door almost hourly begging food many of them telling the most piteous stories of want and suffering. Our neighbors inform me that they have similar calls daily. The most reliable citizens from the hill portion of this and adjoining counties all represent that there is much suffering for the want of food.

The wheat crop will be ready to harvest in a few weeks and will afford much relief. The rains have injured the wheat somewhat and the overflows have ruined the crops on the lowlands near the creeks and watercourses. It is estimated that there will be a little more than half of what would have been regarded as a full crop - before the war.

I go to Tuscaloosa tomorrow.

Very Respectfully
Your obt Sevt
M. H. Cruikshank
Commr of Ala for
relief of destitute

Transcription Notes:
Sobering stuff.