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Mathews County Va August 15th /1865 Major General Howard Sir, I wish to make a brief statement to you of the relation that exists between the servants on my farm & myself, hoping that by calling your attention to the facts in the case to obtain relief from your department. I am a single lady left by the death of my Father in charge of a family of minor children, without any male protectors & my case as you will perceive is one of peculiar hardship. Of 96 negroes I have but 25 who perform any farm service, The remainder are occupied solely in taking care of their children, spinning a little cotton, (not enough to clothe them), some perform light house work, which is divided amongst a large number. The whole force did not make enough to feed themselves not a grain of corn left, at this time, They demand wages, when their labor has not been sufficient to feed themselves. I have not the means to buy food for them, & do not desire their services, wish them to leave my premises, as they are insolent & idle, at least wish to order