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Hospital Fund, I was informed that any surplus credit made would be applied on the indebtedness of the first Freedmen's Hospital. To think of paying this with the present Freedmen's Ration would require a longer time in all human probability, than will be required for either Hospitals or the benefit accruing from Hospital Funds. Under these circumstances I was directed by Bvt Colonel Ino. Moore, Surg. U.S.A, then Surg in chief Dist of Miss, to draw the full ration, and make the best practical use of it. This, together with the utter insufficiency of the Freedmen's Ration for Hospital purposes explains, why we have not reported any Hospital Fund" during said time.

In conclusion, as the first Freedmen's Hospital was discontinued, and as it would be as impracticable as impossible for this Hospital, to pay this indebtedness, I would respectfully suggest, that authority be given to substitute another name: Freedmen's Bureau Hospital, or some other by which it would not be considered as identical with the first, nor be held responsible for its liabilities.

Very respectfully
Your obedient servant 
Chas. A. Foster
A.A. Surg U.S.A.
in charge.

Bvt Colonel L.A. Edwards, Surg U.S.A
Chief Medical Officer Bur. R.F. & A.L.
Washington, D.C.
through Surgeon in chief Dist of Miss.