[According to the 1860 Census, Margaret Phelps was born ca. 1785]

State of North carolinar Brunswick [March 6, 1863]
County To the Honorable Govenner
Dear Sit I offer my Self as Being very
Meek and Low in Statture any way
By Reson of old age if Nothin els
also My oldist Daughters [1] home With
mee helpless I hav 7 grand Sons in Wor
Survis one of them I have Raised
and it appears if he Dont nor Cant
Be releast nor Spaird Back home we
must famish and di we beg for this
if no further to be To our assistance
and Stand as a Minute Man We Beg
Sir hoping you Might be our helper Troubles
have geatherd thick on our land and
country tho it is yours to permate or
Not or have compashion on the afflicted
Apprest and & Destrest Mircy hears this
to be a loud and honist Pretishion
this is true Before God and Man
Dear Sir Small matters are grate
with Small Things yours truly
Govinner B vance this March 6
Margaret Phelps 1863
My grand Son is Lemuel Phelps [2]
I wish home To my helpe