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38) Halifax 2d Nov 1815

Sir:

Having received an order from his Excellency Sir J.C. Sherbrooke to receive a Quantity of Provisions for the use of the Refugee Blacks settling on Land at Preston and understanding from [D'y C'y G'nl Manby?] that there are not any Bare in his Majesty's Magazines for Issue. I therefore request you will be pleased to obtain his Excellency's Order that an additional allowance of Rice should be given in lieu of that Article as the most beneficial substitute the Blacks can receive for themselves and their families being a [paper torn] of food they have hitherto [paper torn] accustomed to.

I have the honor to be

Lt. Col. Addison
Military Secy

[Transcriber's note: D'y C'y G'nl means Deputy Commissary General]