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who really need assistance, I cannot prevail on but 3 of both counties to accept of county charity.

I have instances of persons from 15 to 100 years of age, almost Blind, and a great many infirm who say that they can support themselves. At the same time they are far away from their old homes, nobody to look to, and nothing ahead but probably a few ears of corn, or a few greens, they must certainly suffer.

They all seem to have a great aversion to the southern people caring for them, to use their own words, they say we are throwing them back again into the hands of the secessionists

There appears to be plenty of work now, gathering [[strikethrough]] cotton [[/strikethrough]] Fodder & picking cotton, of the latter there has quite a crop been planted, which will furnish employment to a great many people for most of the year. The corn crop is only an average crop and hardly that, in consequence of the Drought in some localities the crop will not pay expenses of planting. It fall particularly hard upon the colored people, as they are located generally upon poor land which together with the above makes crops poor enough.

There is a great want of clothing for the women and children, the men are generally supplied, these that cannot purchase through it- Government, the women get nothing. 

I am Sir Very Respectfully Your Ob't Servt
Martin Harris Lt V.R.C. and Asst Supt &c

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---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-03-06 11:15:51