MF1323.1197 Reel 39_0797

California C1145 Hon C. Cole H. R. Dec 15, 64

Leaves letter from W. H. McGrew rel. to his claim, for Indian service in California, and the claim of Harvey L. Beall

Presented by Hon. C. Cole of California

Mr. Cole verbally informed of office action in the case

Return to Smith

Finance Smith

[ink stamp] RECEIVED AT THE Dec 15 1864 INDIAN BUREAU

San Francisco Cal Monday October 31st 1864

Hon. C Cole Washington

Friend Cole, I have written, today a long letter to Mr. Commissioner Wm P Dale, calling his attention to the claims that the Department still owe me, - (I am now living in San Fran cisco)

On the 20th of June last Mr. Steele, paid me, what was oweing me from Govt during his administration, and a part of what was owing me during Hanson's, is after the 1st of July 1863, Mr. Hanson had certified to one voucher of mine, commencing 1st April 63 for 2 quarters ending sept 30th 1863. On this voucher Mr. Steele paid me one half, to wit $450, minus the income tax of $9 - equaling $441 in green backs. That payment was for the qur ending Sept 30, leaving the qur ending 30 June still unpaid, upon which he reported favorably to the Dept at Wash -ington - You will understand that his instructions were to pay debts of Hansons contracting, subse quent to July 1863, and to report upon those prior to that date. And it seems, that the salaries

of the employees, which you know, was regulated by law, and not by contract of the Superintendent were placed in the same category with obliga tions intend into by the Superintendent. The consequence is that my salary for the qur commencing with April and ending June 30th/65 was "left out in the cold"-not paid- Mr. Steele however then said, (20 June 1864), that his advises from Washington were to the effect that these claims which he could not pay: but upon which he reported favorably would be paid in four months from that time.

He also reported favorably upon the old claim of Harvey L Beall, for fresh beef furnished in 1860, for the sum of $2891.87/100, of which I have written you before, and said, he was authorized to say that this with other claims, upon which he repor ted favorably woud be paid in four months, at furthest. But four months have come and passed and no pay yet.

You will confer a great favor upon me if you put Mr. Dole in remembrance of these claims, and for my sake & my familys sake urge the payment as speedily as possible. For it is a humiliating fact that I am really suffering for the want of the money the Govt really and justly owes me. It does seem to me that all that is requiredto pay these claims, or rather for the Dept to do justice, is

to look, for 10 or 20 minutes, to the evidences of their convictions, which is in the office then, and there can be no longer delay

I dislike very much to burden you with these conplaints of mine. But a man in my situation must not be too scrupulous, for I need the money, and I need it badly.

I can neither sell the vouchers, nor borrow any money on them, simply because the Ind Dept, in this state has been so slow in paying the just demands against it.

I hope you will see to the matter, and not let your modesty hinder you from so urging the matter before Mr. Dole, or the proper authority, that I will soon get my dues, as also Mr. Beall's claim, in which I have an interest.

I have the honor to remain most Respectuflly Your Obedient Servant, Wm. H. McGrew

Hon C. Cole M. C. Washington

Lincoln & Johnson, and the [Union ticket?] are very safe here, by from 18000 to 20000 majority. You will however know the result before this reaches you. I am advantaged to make a Union speech in this city Friday night the 4th ult. McGrew