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credit, often advanced my own money, and paid for burial expenses of at least one hundred the past year.  Many of the persons now in my care are orphans, and I have found it impossible to do any thing through private charity.  I propose in this Asylum & Hospital, for which I am now endeavouring to get a large and commodious building, to connect a House of Industry, where under my personal supervision, and a humane motion, I can gradually teach the value of industry, and have spinning, weaving &c. done, as the inmates are able.  This will prevent vagrancy and crime, and from the beginning of a good work for the future.  A now ask of you, to give me the most liberal aid, within your power, and to write to some of your friends at the North what I am doing, so that I may get donations.  I hope my course has been such as to satisfy you, that no distinction shall be drawn against the Freedmen in this Institution.  It is more for them than the Whites, for they are more numerous and destitute.

Capt. McGogy, has been as liberal as was possible under his orders, but my object is to get your more general and permanent aid.

With great respect
Your very obt. servt.
Benj. F. Porter.
Intendant.

Major General Wager Swayne
Com'g in Ala