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in the shape of clothing & shoes, now that cold weather is approaching, would be very acceptable and would prevent suffering. I had the honor some time since to furnish a list of such articles as would be most needed for the inclement season in reply to a request from head-quarters for such a list, but have received nothing as yet. 

The freedmen are making the most laudable efforts to provide for their own poor and feeble, and seldom call upon the Authorities of the Counties for aid. This fact alone is a complete answer to the old argument that, if emancipated, the negroes would not be able to take care of themselves. As they perform nearly all the labor, & consequently are the principal producers, it follows that as formerly they not only take care of themselves but support most of the whites also. 

So long as this is true there is no danger of their being driven from the state on account of political prejudice or for any other reason; for the selfishness of men is, in the long run, stronger than their prejudices or vindictive passions. These latter feelings seem cool and wear away, while the former is ever 

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-03-30 15:23:14 one minor typo corrected ---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-03-30 18:51:21