Louisiana Slave to the Commander of the Department of the Gulf

New Orleans  March 4 [1863]

To Your Honour Major General Banks   I earnestly request of your honour to grant a hearing in behalf of myself an^d husban^d,  My mistress has hired me out at the rate of ten dollars a month an^d times are so dull that I proposed giving my ma^dame eight dollars a month   she would not accept of it an^d said I should come home an^d she would find a place for me in the work house or in the parish prison where she has my husband Charley Jones for five months   I have a son who is home with my ma^dame an^d I dont want to go home but I am willing to pay a liberal price until so times get better   So I entreat of your honour to look an^d examine my case for I shall do whatever you a^dvised me to do anything that is just an^d right   I earnestly request of you to ansure this an^d lete me [know] what I should do for to releive my mind for I am afraid she may come an^d deman^d me an^d take me to prison any moment when I am willing to give my ma^dam a liberal amount for my time   Receive this an^d tele me what I shal do   I remain your Obeden^t Servant

Edith Jones