discharge of duty, or usurpation of authority, I am not only prepared, but in view of the rumors to which you refer, I challenge investigation . to the first interrogation I answer: That I have on board the Pocket fifteen persons; to wit, Major Bache, who came to this place to assist Qr ~laster Lee, in discharging the cargo of the Fanny Butler, he has assisted me and is connected with the service (as he informs me) and is here by my authority. Dr. Joseph Coit, for some time physician on the Island has usually assisted me in the press of business here by the joint authority of you and myself, for the improvement of his health. Mr. Belden, who has a lasting testimony of having been in the sen1ce, had embarked on the San Jacinto for Orleans, which vessel was chartered after which he came on board the Pocket and was kindly received by your humble servant. Mr. Hale, who came on board without my knowledge, I · immediately inquired (as I have invariably clone) who he was; whether he was connected with the sen1ce &c; was informed by Major Moreland that he was here under orders from Col. Millard; was advised by Major Moreland to let him remain & have done so. His health was, and is yet, very bad. Mrs. Walker, who came out on your vessel, was going to Anahuac, was invited by you to take up quarters on the Pocket or on shore - went on shore, remained a few days; embarked on the San Jacinto for Orleans, necessarily had to leave, on account of the Master of the vessel, and at my suggestion came on the Pocket. Mr. Walker, the husband of the above mentioned lady, belongs to Col. Wilson's command. By what authority he is here I do not know, but would suppose by yours, he being subject to your orders as Commandant of the Post. Mr. Merwin of Capt. Turner's company, rendering service on board - here by written permission from his commanding officer countersigned by yourself. Six Mexican Prisoners regularly detached to aid in receiving and discharging. Taylor and Hogan: You know more about them than I do. ~lajor Moreland, Capt. Chamberlain, Capt Harris of the Steam Boat Cayuga, and your former secretary, Mr. Joiner, have been on board for some time, all connected with the service, but the latter left this morning on sloop Ohio. I do not know whether Mr. Joiner has ever been connected with the service only as your Secretary. Chamberlain & Joiner were quite sick when they came on hoard; aU here by my authority.
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