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of the name of Sims Carlyle who live in this county, and still holds the child. The Mother, a very industrious and respectable woman of her class, has returned to claim her child. This Carlyle resists alledging that the child has bound herself to him, that She is his apprentice and that he will hold her as such. The woman is in great distress and prays for relief from me. I have of course nothing to do with the matter, but I cannot help compassionately the distress of the Mother weeping for her child. I hope that the Bureau is not under the impression that these defunct slave holders are disgusted with the institution and that they are disposed to do according to their oaths and promises in regard to slavery. They have a wholesome fear of Uncle Sam and his agents but take the agents away, and they will return like the dog to his vomit, to their old ways. This man ought to be made to pay this woman for the service of her child and further the trouble and expense incurred. Would you please write me on receipt what is best for the woman to do Respectfully Your obedt servant
James Sinclair