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Crop Plains Calhoun Co Ala
Jany 19th 1866

Brevet Maj Genl. Wager Swayne
Selena Ala,

General;

Many of the indigent in the poorer counties of this state must starve unless the Government can give releif.

I have heard that you propose to issue rations. Labor is in demand and provisions abundant in the Counties of Dallas, Perry, Marengo & Greene, have, it is vice versa. There are but few of them who would not emigrate to richer counties if they could get transportation. Transportation furnished then would give immediate and complete releif, and I think this is the cheapest quickest & surest way to prevent suffering and it will not only releive the country from a further, but will much increase to labor & hasten the development of its resources. 

The issue of rations can give only temporary & partial releif and will in a measure encourage indolence & pauperism. If you place them where they can get remunerative