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that with all the aid so generously furnished, there has never been a period, during the year, when there was not great suffering for the want of food.  At scarcely any point has it been found practicable, to issue full or even half rations, in many counties the issue has seldom excused one fourth rations.  Large numbers of destitute persons, not being able to obtain their scanty allowance.  The object being, to parcel the food out in such manner, as to prevent actual suffering and sustain life.
Every possible effort has been made by your Commissioner, to have the issue restricted to parties unable to subsist themselves, Knowing full well, that there were a sufficient number in that condition, to consume more food than could possibly be obtained.  The most careful instructions have been issued to agents on this subject.  Cautioning them against making any distinction on account of color and reminding them, that while they should permit none to suffer for the want of food, they should carefully avoid encouraging idleness by feeding those able to subsist themselves.
Unfortunately, parties, not entitled to this public charity, have frequently imposed upon agents, and by false representations obtained the food designed for those more needy and deserving. More or less of this imposition, has doubtless occurred in almost every county and has been exceedingly difficult to guard against.  It is believed, however, that these impositions are very few, compared with the great number who have received and really deserved the relief.
The apportionment of Supplies among the counties was