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Mr. Editor — I wish to inquire for my relatives — my mother, sis- ters and brothers. My mother's name was Annie Straan; she be- longed to Billie Straan. We were first brought from Butt's county, Georgia, and from there to Ala- bama; from there to Mississippi, and from there to East Texas, Jas- per County. Our owner, Billie Straan, got in debt in Alabama, and run away with us to Texas, be- cause his property was to be levied on. The sheriff came to Texas for us, and took my mother and five children back, but Martha and Maria remained out here with our old owner, Billie Straan. The sheriff was Billie Straan's brother, Sam Straan. My brothers are named Columbus and Richard; sisters are Hannah, Betsy, Matilda, Amanda and Martha Maria. Sis- ter Hannah is the oldest and Amanda next. Hannah was left in Alabama. When last heard from they were all still in Alabama. Sister Martha Maria is dead. I heard indirectly from them a few years ago, but nothing definite enough to give satisfaction. Sam Straan, my owner's brother, that carried my mother and five chil- dren back to Alabama, I heard, got shipwrecked while on his way back to Texas after Martha Maria and myself. I am alone here in Texas, with no relative except two of my deceased sister's children. Aunt Mary is dead; also old Billie Straan. My name was formerly Amanda Straan, but is now Amanda Whitfield. I wish to know if any are yet living in Alabama, Louis- iana or Georgia, for I am very anxious to hear from some of my people. This is the second letter I have written, but have never had an answer. Aunt Mary Straan's two daughters, Caroline and Har- riett, are still living and anxious to hear from any of our people. Aunt Mary Straan is a fellow servant of my mother, Annie Straan. Ad- dress in care of the M. E. Church, Amanda Whitfield, Columbus, Texas."