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Halifax 28th June 1836

Sir

A number of the emigrants/late passengers in the Brig Lancaster, wrecked at Sable Island/ in a distressed & destitute condition have applied to us for relief

We should feel very happy as the present funds of the Establishment are ample, in affording them some temporary assistance, if it were not beyond the exercise of your duties as Commissioners -- Should, however, His Excellency, The Lieut. Governor, taking the lamentable state of these persons into consideration, authorise us to expend a small sum towards their relief, we would cheerfully distribute the same, according to the circumstances of each case of distress ---

We will feel obliged by your communicating the above to His Excellency,
& have the honor to be
Sir, your obd't Servts

Ed Wallace M. Lawson Junior } Commissioners

To/ T.W. James Esq.
D.y Sec.y
&c &c &c