The Arkansas banner., 1847-10-25

q circular, to prevent unnecessary inquiries in many cases, and 10 satisfy the numerous claimants who send papers here, that we are doing all that we can to expedite Ihe,r busi- ness.
 All claims are taken up in the order in which they are received here. Reports, in writing, are made io the persons who trans init or present the papers. But as claimants are often uneasy if their claims are not im- mediately attended to. i; very frequently hap pens that, in short time after papers are sent to the Department, letters are sent to urge immediate attention. This course, so far from expediling and investigation, retards it, because ]! increases the labor of those who are employed here, and, tn some instan- ces, occasions mistakes, and consequently dissatisfaction to the parties concerned. It is, therefore, respectfully requested that eve " applicant will wal, reasonable time be- fore making application to know what has been done in relation to his elaiu But should any reason exist for supposing that unnecessary delay has taken place, or that the papers have been lost or destroyed. and the claimant. or the attorney employed. should deem il proper to ask information, this letter will be sent, with brief answer written on the margin.
 When the regulations of the 4ih of March. 1S47, was first published, i, was supposed tha, the surgeons certificates upon which soldiers were discharged would be easily procured. I, has been discovered, however, tha, the soldiers did not in some cases retain them, and that duplicates were not iransmil- ted, as the Army Regulations direct, to the Adjuiant Generals Office. As nothing was said in the regulations concerning such cer- ufcates. for the information of claimants uu- der the 9th section of the act of February II, 1877. that if in every instance in which a volunteer soldier was discharge on sur geon's certificate. that paper must be sent 10 the Pension Office with the claimants afii- davit. unless il has been otherwise disposed of In that case satisfactory evidence must be exhibited as the nature and origin of the claimants disability. The testimony of q commissioned officer should be obtaimed fl possible. If not to be had, the affidavit of one or more credible witnesses, certified to be so by the'magis.rate who may administer the oath, should be produced
 The official character andsigna,ure of the magistrate who may administer an oath must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. The certificate must accom- pany every case, and be attached to ihe paper on which the affidavit is written. No aiiida- yit taken before notary public can be ad- mitted as evidence.
 The relinquishment of the right to bounty land must be signed bv the claimant. if he wishes to receive scrip in lien of land, and the relinqurshment must be witnessed by some who writes legibe hand.
 Volunteers in some cases have been dis charged from the service without ever having received certificate to that effect from the of ticer who discharged them. Such cases have occurred where an entire regiment has been mustered out of tie service. In such a case the claimant must make the oath oi identity required by the regulations, and add to the statement as to his service the following words: ''l never received any di-charge.- The regiment to which belonged was mus tered out of the service.7
 No assignment of land or scrip can be made until after we issue from ths office land warrant, or certificate of scrip, as the case may be.
 ] am. very respectfully,
 I four ob't servant,