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amount of destitution and suffering should exist amongst a people willing to work and disposed to make an effort to relieve themselves.

Ex-Governor Parsons, during his administration as Provisional Governor, as early as the 30th of September, 1865, desiring to ascertain the extent of this destitution, in order that provision might possibly be made by Legislation to relieve it, sent to the Probate Judges of each of the counties of the State a circular letter requesting them to inquire into and report,
1st. The number of indigent families of their respective counties;
2d. The number of persons in each family;
3d. The extent of their destitution;
4th. The estimated amount required for their support per month;
5th. The number of males and females in each family and their ages;
6th. The character of the infirmities, and the cause of their not being able to earn their own livelihood.

In response to this letter, reports,