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94

Pugwash 19th February 1857.

Dear Sir

There appears to be in this neighbourhood Five families of destitute Indians who are suffering for want of Blankets and cloathing. One of these Alex B.Thomas who appears to be the chief speaker at present [implored?] my aid in writing to make you acquainted as to their suffering condition and states at the same time that they resided last winter in the Neighbourhood of [Amherst] and are making a similar application to the Revd. George Townsend that Gentleman wrote to the Commissioner at Halifax stating their wants. And that in Return one or two pair of Blankets
[for each family - written above so insert here]
was sent to them by coach at the expense of the Government; I have therefore taken the liberty of addressing you on their behalf, knowing them to be very needy and If you feel Justified in Sending a pair or two of Blankets for each to my Care they will be dealt out according to your directions. I have the Sheweth to be your obt. servant
H S Pineo

To Wm Chearnley Esqr. [Esquire]
Indian Commissioner

[the following is written on the left side edge of the page]
Please [excuse] the liberty taken being
a perfect stranger. I [never] had such an application
before but [some] truly say they are suffering