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2nd

to the peculiar condition of affairs as now existing in the Peninsula below Richmond, rendering our situation different from almost every other portion of the State, for instance, this section of Country was occupied by the Federal Army in the early part of 1862 until the close of the 'War'. Being bounded on the North by Fort Magruder, on the East by York River, on the South by Fortress Monroe, and one the West by James River a large number of Freedmen were brought here, and sought refuge under the protection of Forts Magruder, Yorktown, and Fortress Monroe - We have now between Williamsburg and the last named place about twenty to twenty five thousand of these Colored people, representatives from almost every county not only of this State, but almost every Southern State, and a number from the Northern States. In the County of York which suffered so heavily during the Siege of Yorktown we have some six or eight thousand, out of that number over two hundred are now drawing rations from the Government - We have between four and five hundred taxable white citizens, at the usual rate chargeable for supporting in a moderate way the white paupers, (Viz from sixty to eighty dollars pr head as to age) it would cost the County about sixteen to twenty thousand dollars, equivalent to a capitation tax 

Transcription Notes:
On review: one error that I could see - fixed. Should be ready to approve. ---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-07-19 15:49:48 ---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-07-19 21:21:17