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(com) mand to give to the General the same cordial support and encouragement which I have enjoyed from them. I will do my utmost to give to him every possible assistance in my power, so as to enable him to successfully perform the important labors and duties of this office.

I will turn into his hands a well organized Department. The labors of nearly three years in Louisiana have been blessed of God, and the poor freedmen, from the ravages and distresses of the Teche and Red River exodus, are now comfortable.
They are protected in every portion of the State by agents of this office. By my Payroll system I can show anyone that I have secured millions of dollars to freedmen for their services which would never have been realized otherwise.
Were I to be summoned at once to the Eternal world, I should enjoy among my last thoughts, the pleasant consciousness that under a good Providence I have enabled to render a service in this Bureau to the most oppressed and harmless people on earth.
Please to regard me as willing to devote every power I have to the great work which the Govern(ment)

Transcription Notes:
Remember to add NARA/NAA number when present