WRITINGS OF SAM: HOUSTON, 1861
245
According to estimates made, there is yet due, on account of frontier defense, for pay and sub- sistence of twenty-three minute companies______ $ 30,000.00 For pay and subsistence of full companies__________ 125,000.00
$155,000.00 Amount paid in cash and warrants______________________ 139,781.12
Showing total cost of frontier defense__________________$294,781.12
It is the opinion of the Executive that the estimate made, $155,000, will cover the entire indebtedness on account of frontier defense for the past year. The entire operations have been con- ducted with the strictest economy. The troops have been sup- plied upon contract at exceedingly low rates, and all officers held to strict accountability. When the number of men kept in the field, and the distant points to which supplies have been sent, are considered, the entire cost is not great. The expenses of keeping a regiment in the field one year were estimated by the Comptroller to be $603,000. Should a con- tingency arise by which the Federal army will be disbanded, and the Indians, now under treaty stipulations with the Federal Gov- ernment, and controlled by them be turned loose, large appropria- tions will be necessary for the defense of our frontier. But should the present state of things continue, it will be necessary to maintain a force of rangers in the field. The frontier must be defended in any event, and it is not improbable that the finan- cial difficulties already attending the Government will be felt in the Indian Department, and there may be failures in carrying out the treaties with the Indians. Trouble will ensue, much of which will be felt by our border. The Executive would, therefore, present the following esti- mates to sustain the Government the present year, and to meet deficiencies:
155,000.00 129,556.99 500,000.00
Amount due for Rangers' pay and subsistence____$ Interest warrants in circulation______________________ Defense of frontier ---------------------------------------------- Ordinary expenses of Government (see Comp- troller's Report for September 1st, 1859) --------
331,400.00
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