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I cannot doubt, dear Sir, but that you can satisfy the many inquiries which are made in common with myself, by the people in regard to this matter.

It has occurred to me that if relief can be afforded to the suffering soldiers & soldiers families of our State that steps ought to have been promptly taken with a view to the judicious & equitable distribution of funds so generously contributed for that object, & yet I have not heard of the first step being _{having been} taken, or the first dollar being _{having been} contributed to any one in this portion of the State, although no section of our country prob-ably suffered so much. Excuse, [Illegible ink blot] Honorable Sir, the liberty I have taken. My chief apology is the lively interest which I have ever felt in the matter.

I am with great respect
your obedient servant

Henry H. Paine.

Aug 1_st 1866

F

Holly Springs, Miss.
July 31_st 1866

Paine, Henry H.

Letter of -

In regard to distribution of Baltimore Ladies Southern Relief Fund Contribution; asking share of same for his sec-tion of the State