Maryland Former Slave to the Secretary of War

Boston  July 26^th 1864

Dear Sir   I am Glad that I have the Honour to Write you afew line   I have been in troble for about four yars   my Dear wife was taken from me Nov 19^th 1859 and left me with three Children and I being a Slave At the time Could Not do Anny thing for the poor little Children for my master it was took me Carry me some forty mile from them So I Could Not do for them and the man that they live with half feed them and half Cloth them & beat them like dogs & when I was admited to go to see them it use to brake my heart & Now I say agian I am Glad to have the honour to write to you to see if you Can Do Anny thing for me or for my poor little Children   I was keap in Slavy untell last Novr 1863.  then the Good lord sent the Cornel borne [Birney?] Down their in Marland in worsester Co   So as I have been recently freed I have but letle to live on but I am Striveing Dear Sir   but what I went too know of you Sir is is it possible for me to go & take my Children from those men that keep them in Savery   if it is possible will you pleas give me a permit from your hand then I think they would let them go   I Do Not know what better to Do but I am sure that you know what is best for me to Do

my two son I left with Mr Josep Ennese & my litle daughter I left with Mr Iven Spence in worsister Co [. . .] of Snow hill

Hon sir will you please excuse my Miserable writeing & answer me as soon as you can   I want get the little Children out of Slavery,  I being Criple would like to know of you also if I Cant be permited to rase a Shool Down there & on what turm I Could be admited to Do so   No more At present Dear Hon Sir

John Q A Dennis

Hon Sir will you please direct your letter to No 4 1/2 Milton St Boston mass