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Williamsboro, Granville County N.C.
July 4th 1865

Capt J.C. Beal

Sir:  having understood you intend to establish a camp for the indigent Negroes in this county, I have concluded to respectfully apply for the office of Superintendent.

I have been a planter by profession and think I understand the negro Character, having owned and worked nearly forty slaves up to the time of Genl Schoffields order declaring them free.  I have been all of my life among them and feel a deep interest in their future welfare, and am actuated in making this application, more by a desire to be usefull to them, then by any wish for "place". 

I am now living on a farm, containing some two thousand (2000) acres beloning to an undivided estate which I think might be purchased or least for a term of years.  The land is very productive, well wooded and watered, under good fences, and every way in a high state of cultivation.  It is also remote from any town or village, fifteen or eighteen miles from the R. & G. R.R., but only six miles from the Ronoke river, which makes it secure from the interruption of too much visiting, but easy of access