Sidebilder
PDF
ePub
[graphic]

51

[ocr errors]

3

2

1

3

5

[graphic]
[graphic]
[graphic]

rectly or indirectly, be interested with him any way whatever.

10 Respectfully, your ob't serv't, WM. PRENTISS. Washington City, April 14, 1830. On the 15th April, I received the following answer from the Secretary:

in but previously to calling on the Secretary, I called at the Commissary General's office to inquire if it was not usual after bids had been received und examined, to see the several proposals that were offered. I was then informed that, after such reception and examination, the proposers were hpermitted to see the substance of the bids in a book wherein they SIR: Your note of yesterday is received. I were recorded. I then called on the Secretary have no recollection of saying to General Van of War, and requested to see the bids. This he Fossen that you and Mr. Blake were at all con- would not permit me to do, but informed me cerned or connected in your bids. The bids that mine was the lowest but one. I asked him do not show it; and I am quite sure no body if that was not the bid of a sub-agent, and an ever so informed me; but, at any rate, it would illegal bid. He answered that it was, and that make no difference to the Department who after he consulted with the President, he should associate themselves together in con- would let me know the course he should adopt. tracts to be made.

After the receipt of this letter, Gen. Van Fossen again repeated what he had previously stated, and re-asserted that, notwithstanding WASHINGTON CITY, April 23, 1830. the denial of the Secretary, he had told him To the Hon. Secretary of War: what I have mentioned above in relation to a SIR: Some time having elapsed since I had connection between Mr. Blake and myself. the honor of an interview with you respecting

Gen. Van Fossen then informed me, (for the the contract for supplying the emigrating Indifirst time,) that he had the control of another ans with rations, and not having heard any thing bid, (which was in the name of Benjamin Haw. more from you on the subject, I hope you will kins, an Indian,) and at the same price at not consider it trespassing too much on your which I had offered, nine cents. He then of time, to request that you would have the goodfered to put Hawkin's bid against mine, and ness to inform me of the result of your interto buy or sell with me--to give or take any view with the President. amount I might mention; which I declined, When you reflect on the importance of an and refused to enter into compromise or bar- arrangement that business of so much impor gain with him, or to have any thing to do with tance requires to enable an individual to put in him in any shape whatever in the business. I proposals for supplying such an extensive was now convinced that there was something amount of provisions, you may judge of the wrong, and that an effort was to be made, or time and anxiety I have appropriated to this had been made, to pass over my bid, for the business; and as more than thirty days has elappurpose of giving it to Houston and Van Fos- sed since (agreeable to usage) we should have sen. I knew Hawkins, and knew the price received a decision from you, you may imagine which he had offered was 12 cents. I knew that to what extent this unusual delay is calculated he had previously left the city in the latter to weary the patience of an individual who is part of March, and knew that he had made no well assured that he is entitled to the contract such bid as Gov. Houston's partner repre- by law, equity, and usage.

[ocr errors]
[graphic]

"It has been hinted to me, that you ordered this advertisement in order to obtain an idea of the cost or expense that would incur to furnish WAR DEPARTMENT, 1st November, 182 0. the Indians with provisions; but I could not date, asking what determination I had come to SIR: I have just received your lettero f this think an individual, enjoying the elevated seat as to supplies to be furnished the emig ating in our Government that you have the honor of Indians. filling. could sport with the time, feelings, and interest of his countrymen in such a manner. There are, no Indians now emigrating. "It has also been mentioned, that you have fication by the Senate of treaties which will be Whether ary will, must depend upon the ratiused every effort in your power to give this con- submit.ed for their consideration at tract to one of your bosom friends, at a higher session of Congress. Until these shall be actrate than I proposed to take it at; and, after find-ed upon, no mode will be agree on or coning that you could not do so without the censidered of, as to their removal and support. sure of the public, you consulted with the Commissary General, in order to know whether he I am, respectfully, your ob't serv't, did not think it would be expedient for you to Mr. J. H. EATON. have an agent appointed to issue the rations I will here remark that I have and can pro- proos an belonging to the Government, that are at one duce the testimony of a highly respectable ci- blood usu of the military posts in that country, and pur-tiz en, showing that, in March, 1830, Governor

[ocr errors]

LOW NOY
TON

[ocr errors]
« ForrigeFortsett »