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21

Destitution.

In obedience to your instructions I took especial pains to ascertain the actual condition of the people in regard to destitution, and the necessity of assistance by the Government.

I visited those parts of the State where the greatest want and poverty is said to exist and availed myself of the most  available means of information. I had frequent interviews with Governor Patton, Mr. Cruikshank, the State Agent, and other State officials; also with the Assessor and Collector of Internal revenue, and the most reliable citizens of various localities. I conversed with gentlemen who had come from the north and settled in different parts of the State, and possessed myself of all the facts I could gather, bearing upon this subject.

You are aware that a considerable portion of the Northern part of the State was embraced within the operations of both armies during the rebellion. I need not repeat to you the devastation consigned upon these campaigns.

The people, particularly the farmers of small means, were left in a most destitute condition. Last year but little was done toward restoring the farms to a condition suitable for planting, and but meager crops