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some have removed, but these were generally the able bodied, leaving behind the helpless old and young. We have, therefore, a very large destitute colored population not legitimately belonging to us; and we have no power under the law of removing them (they having by time without our consent gained a residence) to the localities to which they do belong, and which should be properly chargeable with them.

In addition, we would state, the war bore with peculiar severity on this county. Every public building - court, house, clerks office, jail - jail & were destroyed - (to replace these will require many thousands of dollars) - private property, to an immense Extent, was lost -  making our white population very poor & the taxes now are more than they can pay & the population now stands about 2000 white to 6000 colored - the latter, having, in proportion, a much larger number of paupers - and, it would be impossible to collect from the colored population but an insignificant proportion of the poor rates necessary for the support of their destitute.

Notwithstanding all this, we should not ask to be made an Exception to the General order, if these destitutes were legitimately our own; but we do conceive, and we believe that both the Commanding Genrl. and you will agree with us, that it would be unjust to add to our already distressed condition the support of so many paupers, properly chargeable to other states and to other counties; when our people and authorities have had no power to prevent it

To
F.S. Massey
Brvt. Captn. & Military Com.
York, Gloucester & Mathews Counties Va

Very respectfully
Thos M Curtis
President board of overseers, For County of York VA

Transcription Notes:
"without our consent" is inserted between "time" and "gained." Paragraph break and indent prior to "In addition," "peculiar severity" underlined. Looks good. Paragraph break and indent prior to "Notwithstanding"