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men have taken in and fed these destitute freed people. As a necessary consequence, rations have been issued to cover the back indebtedness upon the promises made by this Office.

There have been received 800 rations but no corn meal, vinegar, or pepper were forwarded. About half of the amount of rations have been issued and the balance on hand will be required to reintroduce parties who have under arrangement fed these destitute freed people during the winter months.

A small number of rations were issued to a blind Ex-federal soldier who lost his eye sight in action in the service of his country.

Owing to some tardiness on the part of the Pension Bureau this poor soldier has not yet received his Pension certificate, and being utterly destitute has been heretofore compelled to depend upon the Union men for bread. I could not see a blind soldier suffer, and have taken the responsibility of aiding him in his necessities, which it is to be hoped will be cordially approved by the