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double trials & at the same time avoid having every freedman in the county annoying me by explanations, applications, etc. I have concluded not to bind any without having the parents summoned to be present & show cause if any they have why they should not be bound out and if they are unable to do that, then to consult their wishes as to whom they desire them bound to

Several cases have been sent to me to support & provide for. One is a family of three orphan children (freedmen), 1 boy 7 years of age, 1 boy 2 years of age and one girl 5 years of age. I related this case to you when I was in Montgomery - The mother left her former master and went to live with a poor white woman and after getting all the negro had, drove her off - altho' she was very sick at the time, the mother has since died. Her [[?]] children are now with their former master who says he cannot support them - He is willing to keep them if they can be furnished with food & clothes - Mr. Dawson who was with me to see you when I was last in Montg. will hand you this note & if you can send the necessary clothing & some provisions to these children I will see that they get it, they live in a mile of this place. Another case - a very old man & perfectly blind has been turned off by his former master & he was led into my office a few days ago for support & I requested the man who had kindly given him shelter & food to continue to do so till I had a chance to send up to you which he consented to do so - If you can send him anything by Mr. Dawson I will see that he gets it - I have called the Commissioners Court to meet on next friday to adopt the suggestions you made in relation to providing for this class of persons.