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for it's expenditure in their support have been sent away as far as places could be found for them.

The village is quite a large and prosperous once but as soon as the reduction in the number of colored employees in the different departments in Washington and Alexandria throw the able bodied men out of employment it will be advisable to gradually withdraw the gov't support of the village so as to break it up unless it can remain a village with an orderly and industrious population unassisted by the gov't.

Col. Eaton is anxious I should at once relieve him of the charge of the city of Alexandria. I wrote to you about Mr. Silvey and as I know he is a good man for the place I hope to conclude an agreement with him. When I do he will at once take charge of affairs in that city. He has been receiving as Special Agent of the Treasury Dep't. six dollars ($6.) per day, - of course we cannot pay him that much - it is a larger income than mine.

As to Arlington, as it is connected with the farms it is best it should remain in charge of Capt. Brown until all can be turned over together to me this fall. When that is done I have no doubt I can obtain the services of Capt. Carse and let him remain in charge.