You say: "You were permitted to remain al Buffalo bayou, eating beef without bread, while Lhose who had jgnobly fled before the enemy, were rioting in the abundance of the public stores.'' I very distinctly recollect it was on the aflernoon of the 26th April when we heard at Gafveston of the signal and illustrious victory of 21st. One steamboat was then on its way to you with supplies,but she was crippled by some acciclenl Lo her boiler and compelled lo anchor al Redfish bar. So soon as il was practicable another was sent, and did convey some necessaries, including sugar and coffee, to the camp of Buffalo bayou. At this Lime there were very many souls of the Island, and among them many familes of women and children, who required sustenance, and many of whom were afflicted with disease. But gentlemen, there was little "rioting" necessaries of life, That some abuses may have occurred in the distribution of the public stores, I will not deny; buL I do assert that the members of the Government, so far as my knowledge extended, did endeavor to prevent all prodigality in the use of thos stores. Shorlly after the army moved from Buffalo bayou, the Government was transferred to this place. On the first opportunity that presented itself, arrangements were made with the owners of the steamboat Laura to take in a cargo at the Island, and carry it up this river (the Brazos) to Fort Bend. At this time-for the anxiety we felt for our gallant army has deeply impressed every little incident on my mind-the wind blew high for several days and to this untoward circumstance we attributed the delay of the boat. Afler some days had elapsed, during which hourly expecta- tions of her arrival were disappointed, a messenger came from the Island, and reported that owing to a leak in her boiler she had not reached the eastern encl, and probably would nol be able to retttrn for some time. We immediately prepared the schooner Express, and dispatched her forthwith, with such cargo as she could carry. I presume that small supply has reached you from Coxe's Point before this time. We then hired the schooner Columbus and the Commissary-General is now on board of her and preparinf! to depart for Copano. And now, gentlemen, I ask you jn the spirit of kindness and without "Irritation," to review these facts: and I am persuaded, inasmuch as I believe the brave are usually generous, thal you will feel you have done injustice in ch<lrging your being
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