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Lafayette, Alabama
Sept 14th 1867

Robt J Smith Esq
Asst Comr &c

I write for the purpose of obtaining some  instruction and information in regard to a certain case which has been presented to my notice. A freedman in this community by the name of Jerry has applied to me to procure two of his children for the purpose as he alleges of having them educated. The circumstances are these- In the days of slavery he had a regular wife and another woman a sort of concubine, by this latter woman he had two children. This woman has no husband and I understand is a very worthless character. The children are eight and ten years old and he seems very desirous of having them in order that he may send them to school and have them educated. He does not wish to take them from her altogether but