The Writings of Sam Houston, Volume VIII

WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1860

134

have the Agent there, and Rusk [sic] consenting, I shall have you appointed. They will put in some creature of Rector's, or for the Clique, who will do anything to cover up their frauds. Do write me often and tell me all ! I will not close without telling you that Mrs. Houston has presented me with another son, the fourth (4th), and making the eighth child, we having four daughters, all healthy, smart, and likely. How grateful parents ought to be for these gifts, even if they are poor. Thy Devoted Friend, Houston. Blain. 1 Govemors' Letters (1860), Texas State Library. Samuel A. Blain was, for a long time, lndjan Agent at Fort Smith, Arkansas. See Houston to Blain, March 20, 1860.

To ROBERT E. LEE 1 Executive Department, Austin, September 8, 1860.

Colonel Robert E. Lee, San Antonio, Texas. My Dear Sir: Desiring some info11mation relative to the proper proceedings in paying off discharged troops which I cannot obtain from any work in my possession, I have to request that you will have me informed upon the following points: Are the muster rolls of disbanded companies deposited with the Pay Master for settlement with the troops? Is it not the duty of the pay master to make out the pay rolls from the muster rolls and to settle with the troops; and where should the Pay Master deposit the pay and the muster rolls-with what officers, and at what offices? Is it necessary that pay rolls and accounts should be submitted to the Auditor, the Comptroller, and to the Register of the Treasury for examination after having been adjusted by the pay master? When settlements have been made without payments, are not the certificates of the Pay Master sufficient evidence of the Government's indebtedness to the Soldiers, for the issuance of warrants for their pay? Are not the Pay Master's rolls and accounts his vouchers to settle with the Comptroller upon? Any information that you can give me on these points, I shall be thankful for, and if you have any military work from which it can be obtained, arid will forward it to me for a time, I shall

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