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We had no notice of the pending application which I thought out to have been referred to me. I telegraphed General Woods asking a brief delay which was granted, and sent him a written communication with an exhibit of orders which I think will have the desired effect.

Another occasion for money arises from the want of farming utensils and garden seeds. As to this letter it occurs to me that the Commissioner of the Bureau of Agriculture is constantly distributing these on a large scale. Certainly no one has so good a claim on that officer as the Freedman who is endeavoring to raise himself from slavery to productive industry, and to relieve the Government of the contingency of having to support him. I respectfully ask your intervention to secure me a supply of seeds, particularly staples, from this source, and will see that it is faithfully used.

The extent to which destitution is being relieved I shall formally present to you at the close of the month. The present amount is not so great, but the prospect is alarming. While I was gone to Mobile the Governor telegraphed to Maj Gen. Woods for 49,000 rations to be sent to one County, and also sent a Commission to Washington to confer with the President. If I had been here I should have arranged that he should report to you also. The State was over-run about planting time and the critical time last in disorder, while the effort that was made has been almost frustrated by drought. For the negros I hope for relief from the railroads and northern men, seeking to employ their labor. Both classes will expect to purchase this winter's supplies which can I think be had cheaply

from New Orleans, as corn is abundant in Texas and up Red River.

I again invite your attention to my application for the detail of the Second Maine Calvary. From the Harmony which, through the kindness of the kindness of the Governor, prevails between him and myself I am satisfied the regiment can be most usefully employed without any collision whatever. There is no doubt in my mind as to the great need of some such force for prevention as well as punishment. The detachment of that requirement which was here has been ordered to Florida. My Adjutant and Aide-de-Camp are both detailed from it and I shall lost these unless the special application through you for their detail by the Adjutant General have early and favorable consideration.

Our Mails, as I last week telegraphed you, are wretched. I have no Circulars of later issue than No.9- except a copy of No.13 of which I found a day or two ago in a New Orleans paper. I would be obliged by your telegraphing me of any particulars in which this officer is delinquent, and which can be ascribed to this cause.

The presence of Gen Schurz on a mission of inquiry from the President, and who leaves at the same time with the Mail, compels me to write less carefully than I would. I trust you will frankly intimate to me any particulars in respect to which you desire fuller information.

I am, General,
Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant

Brig' Gen' and Asst Commissioner