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and broken down men cause thirty and forty miles in majors to beg a little food. Then is not so much of this now, but I feel this so strongly that I meet this mess this moving to talk if over confidentially with Governor Patton. He is a practical, conscientious, economical, old merchant who I thought would neither decide nor be deceived. He said how he ever thought he knew this could be no mistake as to the mountain countries and told me of some sad incidents. He felt assured that 5,000 rations for the Huntsville District would not go beyond the strict requirements of humanity. I shall accordingly ask for that number but shall try to go up their next next But as to the portion of the State originally under my jurisdiction, I shall proceed more slowly, and I think that have I shall be able, outside, the cities, to restrict the issue mainly to helpless colored persons. I hope the issue in the issue in the State will in no case exceed 15,000 rations. And I give you the earliest possible notice of this that you may use your judment in relation to it.
Upon receipt of the Execution order directing a transfer of property to me my idea was not to encumber the Bureau with the custody of any property except such as it required for use. and as to the rest, to have Mr Montague, who had been assigned to that duty by the Secretary of the Treasury dispose of it, settle with his agents according to outstanding agreements, and transfer net proceeds to Col Wright. But last week I received notice from the Secretary and from Mr Mellen, the Supervising Agent that this would not be permitted. I saw Mr Mellen at Mobile and learned that this action was based upon

the fact that Mr. Montague was not in favor with his superiors. I at once applied to Gen Woods for some officer in whom he had confidence and am in hopes in a few days to relieve Mr Montague with an excellent officer of the Quartermaster's Department.
Meanwhile the property at Selma had already been brought to my notice. The personalty there had been offered for sale; and some large brick stocks and furnaces. These I struck from the list, as they plainly belonged to the realty, which had not been advertised. The rest, which had no such connection, I permitted to be sold, and enclose you Mr Montagues account of it.
The plan of the sale at Briarfield was not satisfactory to me. It was proposed to sell all that could be removed from a large iron works, without any reference to the realty. I at once directed this sale to be postponed, and notice given that in the meanwhile bids would be received for the realty. Mr Lyon, whose application to you had been referred to me, was specially advised of this. I send you a copy of the notice.
I have also an application from Gen Croxton to purchase the works at Blue Mountain. I enclose you copies of his letters. I did not think it advisable to lease the property. I have no knowledge as yet of its real value. I should be glad to have instructions in this matter There are a number of loose buildings about the state, which I am trying to turn in. Several of them are still occupied by troops, and these I have not interfered with.
You will observe that one half of the very large estimate forwarded this week, is for

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