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Office Commissioner for the Relief of Destitute in Alabama,
Montgomery, _________ 1866.

[[STAMP]]The National Archives of the United States[[STAMP]]

Hon._______Judge of Probate______Co.:
SIR:-I have the honor to enclose herewith a circular containing "General Orders No. 4," issued by Major-General WAGER SWAYNE, commanding Sub-District of Alabama.
You will observe that arrangements have been perfected to obtain from the General Government, through the agency of the Freedmen's Bureau, additional supplies of food for the suffering poor of Alabama.
Your County will receive under the apportionment made,____sacks of corn, and___pounds of bacon, which can be drawn by the regularly appointed Agent for your County, from the depot at___, and will be delivered to him by___Agent.
A strict and literal observance of the orders General SWAYNE will be required, and a failure to observe them will cause a suspension of the issue to your county.
You will perceive that the County Agents are to be selected by "the overseers to the poor," (your county commissioners,) and should be a man of unquestioned character. If you have a County Agent who has shown himself to be faithful, reliable and efficient, and who will make his reports promptly before the close of each month, I should advise that he be retained. if you have no County Agent, select one with special reference to his qualifications for the position, carefully avoiding men who seek these agencies as a means of making money.
It is also hoped that the Probate Judges and Commissioners will supervise the acts of their agents and promptly report to the State Commissioner any dereliction of duty. They should also aid their agents in efforts to prevent impositions by parties seeking relief who are not entitled to it.
The Agents will in future be required to make their reports under oath, and no possible effort should be spared to confine the issue of food to those who are indigent in the strict sense of the term, for whom alone the limited supply furnished in intended. You will also observe that in its issue no distinction is to be made on account of color.
I enclose blank forms for reports and affidavits. No second issue will be made to the County Agent, until a properly authenticated report has been made as to the disposition of the previous issue, in accordance with the enclosed forms-thus making prompt monthly reports absolutely indispensable. If any portion of the supplies have not been issued, they should be reported as on hands, but under no circumstances should there be a failure to report.
No portion of these supplies can be sold to pay transportation or for any other purpose. Any agent so disposing of them will be liable to indictment and punishment.