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Genl D. excuse me for importuning you to turn this plantation over to me, or rather give me authority to apply to Capt. Slaughter if you knew my necessite, I most honest purposes you would not hesitate. 

Do answer this immediately it is so important that I should know right away - & I shall feel so grateful. 

Yours Resp'y Mrs R.M. Echols
Columbus Dec'r 2nd 1865.

In great haste.
Genl Tilson

[[stamp]] The National Archives of the United States [[/stamp]]

Dr. Sims

Capt Slaughter informed me that he had written to you the present condition of a plantation which the United States Govt had taken charge of some twelve miles below Columbus: this place was the property of a Virginia Lady who is now in England, & the servants on it; she had leased it on condition of the servants being supported, & everything being restored to her at the end of five years - he (Capt Slaughter) had endeavored to carry this out, but so far from aiding the government, it proved to be a ruinous transaction, in as much as the man who was placed there, & employed there to carry on the farming interest sold all that he could of the 

[[left margin]] Capt Slaughter is doing all that he can for the Freedmen Their former [[?]] [[/left margin]]