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the balance of my indebtedness. I consider it safe to state that had I received the funds appropriated for the 1st & 2nd yrs 1865 and been relieved at the expiration of that time I should not have owed a dollar.

I can see no reason why the appropriation for my portion of the 1st & 2nd yrs could not have been placed in my successor's hands for the payment of the accounts incurred by me as far as it would go. The delay has worked injustices to the creditors and injured the standing and credit of the Department which I have labored to build up. I again urge in the strongest terms that immediate provision be made for the payment of the indebtedness embraced in the accompanying list. The accounts are all certified to as being correct and just either by [illegible] agents or myself they were contracted in good faith and should be paid at once. If any of the accounts are found incorrect or unjust the officer certifying to them and his bondsmen are liable and should suffer but not the private individual who has sold his goods or performed the service trusting to the faith of the agents of the government.

Any additional proof required to any of the accounts can be obtained and will be forwarded when applied for I would beg leave to refer to any or all of our delegation in Congress and also to Hon. D.W. [Name] Asst. [illegible] at present in Washington. These gentlemen are more or less familiar with the condition of affairs in this