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where there were no troops to protect them. I expect, I will yet find it necessary to withdraw them for want of protection.

The returns of rations issued are not complete but are as nearly so, as we can get them for this report. The number of Freedmen - 4,278. - is about correct; 600 of these will pay for what they receive, leaving 3,678 of the destitute and of those working for the Government. But the number of Refugees reported, is far below the true number [[crossed out]] stated [[/crossed out]]fed. Although only 407 of them are reported officially, the whole number receiving rations is probably not far from 2,000, - making a total of more than 6,000 people fed.

The reports show over 102,000 rations drawn and issued which is merely a calculation for 31 days, of the number of people reported. The reports of the Chief Commissary of the State only show about 80,000 rations issued during the month of August, and after consultation with the same officer, I have concluded that my estimate for the month of September will be the same number.