The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1826-01-18
WASHINGTON, OCT. q, 1875.

wAsHIEGToN, OCT. 81, 1925.
To his Excellency Governor lincoln.
SlR-I have The honor herewith to enclose
the promised Reports of the Third Auditor on
our Claim. They are printed for the conven-
fence Of our members from Massachusetts, and
Maine, who will have occasion TO possess
themselves of its actual state, previous to any
movement IN Congress. These reports, it Will
be perceived, show an examination of portions
TO tie amount of S463, 724 Is, which were
selected for prior investigation, with reference
10 the question made on the part of the Ma
fiona! Government, as to the necessity Of our
expenditures in defence of the State, and the
general rights OF Massachusetts to the reim-
buraement claimed.
or the sum total, $821, 739: 10, $500, 343:
"a were FOR pay to officers and men, $685.
027:57 for subsistence, So, 1913 for forage,
IS, IT'S 81 for medical and hospital depart
Inent, S64, 903': 70 for clothing allowance,
G244,6 10 for quarter-master's department,
and 49,, 460:42 for contingencies. In the
two latter, are included expenditures for for
tifications and defence OF harbors and rivers.
The investigation Of these, and of the disburse-
ments in the pay department, leading neces-
sariiy 10 a full development Of the facts and
circumstances. which mark the character OF
the claim, occasioned the arrangement with
The Department of War, under which, since
July, 1924, the auditing of these portions, in
preference Of the others, has been conducted.
The whole Of the Paymaster's Department
has been audited, and enough of the subsist-
cnce. the Quartcr-Master's Department, and
the contingencies TO establish all the facts ma
terial to any discussion Of the States right
to reimbursement and sufficient to furnish
the means Of an estimate for the requisite APP
preparation. Under each Of the several heads
very considerable disaliowapces may be ex-
pected. These will enter into the considera-
ton Of the Department Of War, in its estimate
for the guidance of Congress, when making
appropriations for the whole claim, after the
right to reimbursement shall be recognized.
The auditing will proceed in respect to the
remaining portions Of the claim in the usual
course.
II behalf Of the Common wealth, il seems
incumbent on the Executive, by its Agent, TO
make at this time to the Secretary Of War such
an exposition Of the grounds Of our tight upon
these Reports, as the State, in just consdera-
ton Of its own dignity, ought to maintain.
La doing this, question occurs of some mo-
ment; on which, | desire your Excelency's
instructions. The bearing Of the Executive
conduct OF our stale, during the war on our
present right to reimbursement, is brought in
10 view by the Reports, and will become a
principal topic Of discussion in Congress. The
view which the State, by your Excellency's
instructions, may be considered as taking Of
this subject, will be very decisive Of the flu
tufe fate ofour claim.
Being without instructions from your pre-
dccessor or ExcelIency, on this topic, it SEEM
cd to me most proper, indeed indispensably
my duty, TO bring The subject thus distinctly
TO view, that in a matter OF so great impor-
lance, might, by instructions, he sure. of pur-
suing the course moet advantageous and hon
orable TO the State.
VIII your Excellency therefore be pleased
TO favour me with such instructions as the
actual position Of our affairs here requires :
and particularly, in respect 10 the bearing
which The Executive conduct alluded TO IN
the Reports ought 20 be considered as having
on our States right to reimbursement.
With the highestrespect,,
| have the honor TO be,
Your Excellency's ob't humble scrv't,
GEORGE SULLIVAN.