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to remain in Ala. & take the best care I could of my property & family. You may imagine the difficulties & losses a lone woman would have struggling with - two infant sons, through that trying period separated from every relative. Immediately after the surrender I returned to my native N.E. to bide the results of the resolution: in October last I came back to my old home, to find that the angel or demon of destruction (whichever he be) had presided over my affairs generally, & our once fine Estate in ruins. My former servants rallied around me, however, & urged me to remain with them, & here we are trying to build each other up. I found them in rags, and have spend much of my time & efforts to do the 

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knew me, & the difficulties to which I am subjected I believe it would afford you pleasure to make me an enclosure. Please excuse this obtrusion of myself upon your notice & believe me 

Most Respectfully
Lavina B. Judge