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Calhoun Loundes Co Ala
August 24th 1867

Agent of Freedmens Bureau
Montgomery Ala [[seal]]The National Archives Of The United States[[/seal]]

Dr Sir
I want a little information and apply to you. I have in my family two negro children (orphans) Their mother died immediately after the surrender and on her death bed gave them to my wife to raise We have taken care of them and provided for their wants ever since and they have behaved very well until this year. It seems that some freedmen in the neighborhood have been tampering with them for the purpose of getting their services and have made them dissatisfied and impudent so much so that they need some further steps than words to convince them. As I did not have them bound to me I refrained from punishment One is a boy about 14 year the other a girl about 8. I am willing to keep them because I have an attachment for them, and want to know what steps to take to keep them at home, and from the influence of these designing persons. I want some authority for getting them back when they leave and if I am to be annoyed with them without remedy to deliver them up to the proper authority. They have no relations in this country as far as my knowledge extends. Will you please advise me what course to pursue

Respectfully &c
D.S. Harbin