Viewing page 30 of 240

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

Executive Department,
STATE OF ALABAMA, 
Montgomery, Ala, May 18th, 1866.

Maj. Genl. Wager Swayne
Ast. Com of the Bureau
Refugees and Abandoned Lands
Montgomery

My Dr Sir

In view of the alarming increase of destitution, and actual want, of food, which have been reported to this department from the various portions of State;  and the daily cries for bread, I dispatched few days since M H Crookshanks Esq Commissioner to provide for the destitute (then in the Mountain districts) to return to the Seat of Govt, and report in detail the true condition of the Country.  Since his return, I have conferred much with him, and also derived reliable information from various other sources.

I regret much (from correct information) to be compelled to state that notwithstanding, the very liberal aid now being rendered by the Genl Govt through your department; and the various contributions made by individual charities, with all that can be done through the State's crippled finances;