966 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXV.

ments." That does not except General Pike's staff. The very reverse was intended, as you repeatedly mentioned to me when speaking on this subject. They were the very officers from whom I was expected to receive the funds and extra means of transportation, as it was reported that General Pike had a large surplus of the latter; and on that I wrote my letters, requiring them to obey your order, and turn over to me accordingly.

No report of property, condition of departments or funds have been made to me, except Major Lanigan wrote that he had no funds. Your order requires all officers, agents, &c., to report to me without delay, and obey my instructions.

I have made a trial to obey your orders. Your order me to make adequate provision for all Confederate troops in the limits specified Indian country, &C General Pike orders Major Lanigan to say "that all sup. plies for his department must be provided by his orders, and that he will not permit any purchases or contracts to be made for the troops under his command unless by his order or with his approval. Whose order is to be obeyed?

Major Quesenbury says he is ordered to attend to affairs of the quartermaster department in that command, to make whatever purchases are necessary, &c., "and cannot but resist your (my) interference in the hay contract in the Indian country." Your ordered me to make these contracts; they say they will resist; yet your order says that no other officer than myself is permitted to make contracts, or even purchases, and that to enable me to effectually carry out your order I am empowered to appoint purchasing agents, &c. It is clear that your order has been set at defiance, and that I have been made a target for this man Quesenbury to spout his filth at. I, therefore, as an act of justice to myself; demand his arrest and trial for disobedience of orders and for ungentlemanly conduct in his official correspondence, &c. I have, general, simply and faithfully attempted to carry out your orders; have not in any way arrogated to myself authority, as charged by him, nor have I any desire to do so. I cannot believe that you will permit such conduct to pass unnoticed, but have it punished as it deserves. If I am to be insulted and treated in this style for faithfully and earnestly carrying out your orders to me, and the offenders left unpunished, I cannot longer hold my position. You know me. All I ask is justice. You assigned me my position here; you conversed freely with me, telling me what you wanted done. I have endeavored to carry out your oral as well as written instructions. You will remember that one great point with you was to have me get possession of the funds that General Pike's staff officers were squandering, as had been represented to you, as I was informed by you. Your letter to General Pike of the 23d ultimo was never seen by me until to-day, and affords Quesenbury a handle to deal me a false blow, as he predicates his villainous insinuations on the knowledge he says I had of a statement in your letters that he must have known that I had never seen or heard tell of. The peculiar phraseology and evident taunts and insults contained in his letter will be plain enough to you without my pointing them out.

In regard to General Pike's letter and the acts of Congress, that is a fight between you and him. I know no law of Congress when I receive your order. Generals may discuss such points, not staff officers of my grade.

In conclusion, I have to request, general, that I be sustained in the attempt I am making to carry out your orders, and that full and definite instructions be furnished me, and that General Pike be informed that