Another view presented in this case is, whether there is any jurisdic tion vested in either the Land Office or the Department to consider or in any manner pass upon the validity of private claims in Louisiana, except under the acts of Congress providing for the confirmation of such claims.

If it appears from an examination of the record that the hearing before the register and receiver was not had upon an application filed under the act of 1860, you will not be controlled by the statement complained of, but if such is the fact, you will then consider and determine the question whether there is any authority or jurisdiction vested in the Land Office to hear and determine or in any manner pass upon the validity of private claims in the State of Louisiana, except such as may be conferred upon it by the acts of Congress providing for the confirmation of such claims.

I herewith transmit the application of Messrs. Bradford and Holcomb for file with the papers in the case, and direct that you notify the counsel for both parties of this decision.

1819 L D-38