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it is practicable to make it, and the fine paragraphs of Cir No. 11 faithfully carried out.

4th. At the close of the 4th Quarter of 1867, the issue of Rations to Destitutes had entirely ceased. In the month of February of the last Quarter, it was found necessary to recommence the issue, the scanty supplies with which the poorer classes had commenced the winter having been consumed and the Churches and Benevolent Societies who had given their aid to a certain extent having nearly exhausted their means of further aid. In the month of March the increased destitution rendered a still further increase of this issue necessary with the prospect of a still further increase in April. And then a gradual falling off after the appearance of early vegetables until Harvest time, when it is believed that the issue may be entirely dispensed with. The issue of Rations has been preferred to the opening of a Soup House as being less encouraging to idle habits among the Freedmen and more economical. The city Alms-House in Norfolk is crowded and the Authorities represent that the condition of the Finances will not admit of increasing the accommodations for the Poor, at present. The Poor House in Portsmouth is crowded also, and the destitution greater if anything there than in Norfolk. 

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-12-20 22:19:08 ---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-12-20 22:37:04 changed 1864 to 1867