Viewing page 65 of 270

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

Chambers Co Ala
May 27th 1867

Maj Gen Wager Swayne

Sir about the beginning of the war I had turned my attention to Fruit growing as a source of pleasure and amusement. Now I must turn this Fruit into a source of profit for the support of my family.
 
You will please inform me in what way I can protect myself from the depredations of the Freedmen. My Plum and Cherry orchards were stripped of all the ripe fruit in them yesterday. I know nearly all the partys. What is the remedy they steal from me at night and out run me if I see them in the day time. 

I do not wish to commit any unlawful act but I wish to be protected in my property I need the fruit for the support of my family you will please awnser this letter at West Point Ga as I live near that place and give me full instructions how to act. I may refer you for my Carracter to Mr Lee Scott and Mr Winter of your place

very Respectfully &c
Thos. J. Winston