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I assure you most solemnly, that unless they get relief from some quarter, They must all perish before another crop can be gathered. And Genl. the Negroes have no one to look to but you. You are their only hope for relief. And I pray you in their name to lend a listening ear to their prayer and lend your helping hand to relieve their present sore distress.

I think that there are about 40 men women and children on the two places. and by advancing half rations, the 40 people could subsist for the year by planting and raising a good many vegetables. If you would advance 30 full rations I think it could be managed, as to keep the 40 persons on their feet & enable them to make the crop, If it was dealt out to them weekly.

If you will make the advance I will act as your agent, free of charge, and see that the provisions are properly dealt out to each family. And when the crop is gathered in I will also see that the Freedmen comply faithfully by the Mortgage.

Genl I am not altogether disinterested. I am anxious that my land shall be cultivated for while I have scanty allowance for my family the present year I know that our only hope hereafter is in geting