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weary of providing for the destitute and dependent among them and I am satisfied that I have been asking and requiring too much of them on that score.  Although I desire to encourage and cultivate the groth of a spirit of independence among them as rapidly as feasible.  At least six persons freed people here have been entirely dependent.

I have promised that after this month I would procure rations for that number. Please send me about Two hundred rations that I may fulfill it. 

In the claim business of Osburn and Drumgoole, I have today discovered that they had busied themselves in writing Power of Attorney from discharged colored soldiers to outside parties to collect the money or certificate that might be found in satisfaction of such soldiers bounty claims. A number of these claims were brought by a butcher here name Pratt for from Twenty to Six Dollars apiece. Some of these Powers of Attorney were presented me today, duly acknowledged before the County Court Clerk, and registered. Of course such claims will not be recognized by me, but the money will be paid to