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proper Sanitary measures, as why, should they be expected to keep their their houses clean when their white betters do not set them the example, and the owners being perfectly indifferent as to their condition. Nothing but the free use of disinfectants and continual hammering, as you may say, will enable us to keep them clean. Dr Marmion considered one of the big men of the place is owner of one of these houses which is next to his own residence. In proportion to advantages I dont know which is in the worst condition, his or the Tenement House. It will take at least 25 barrels of Lime to put these Freedmens habitations in order, and requisitions for this article will be made at the proper time. Sickness I should say to be increasing Dr Turner who has been here about five weeks has attended nearly a hundred Freedpeople and some 30 Refugees, if he had been mounted I have no doubt but this number would have been doubled. It is much to be regretted that he cannot visit professionally the adjacent towns of Martinsburg, Shepherdstown, Charlestown, and also in connection with myself, look after the Sanitary condition of the colored people in those places, though the civil authorities there, do try to do something. Rations have been refused to quite a number the past month, though I anticipate quite an increase next month as many have used up their winter store and now are destitute, though in such issues I shall always bear in mind that only extreme necessity & suffering must be consulted. Herewith please find accompanying Reports of Schools &c  All of which is respectfully submitted.

I am
Most Respfy Your obt Sevt
A F. Higgs
1st Lt & Asst Supt

Asst Commissioner
Va & W Va