The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1849-03-28
Dol. Stevenson md DOL Fremont.

Ool. Sfov0u00u ana OolA SISiuoA"
In answering the lettsr of Col. Benton to the
people of California, COL Stevenson has retored on
the Missouri Senator the charge of having by his
own misconduct, defeated the bill organizing
commission for the settlement of California claims
against the United States Government. COY >.
says that Mr. Benton defeated the bill by inserting
the name of COL Fremont as one of the commis-
sionen, when it was well known that Col. +. was
himself largely and personally interested in the set
Element of those claims. He then goes on to detail
a transaction between Col. Fremont and one Don
Enloeo Dc Celiz, resident Of Los Angeles, and
tries to make it appear that Fremont bought cattle
from Celiz for his own private use, though ne PAID
for them by giving his notes az Governor OF Cail-
forna thereby binding his successors In Office as
the representatives of the United States. Now the
documents attached to Col Stsvsnson's letter show
that he attempts to falsify facts. Appendix No.
is a contract entered into between Cez and FIRE.
mont, Celiz promising deliver six hundred cattle
for the use of the United Statss, and Fremont
binding himself and SUCCESSORS to pay therefor the
sum of six thousand dollars. This contract bears
date the Sd March, l847; and stipulates that the
hides are to belong to Celiz. The six thousand dol
lars are to be paid eight months after the date OF
contract. Attached to this sipstrument there is
receipt from Fremont acknowledging the delivery
of the cattle This receipt is dated the Doth April,
1S47, after Fremont had ceased to be Governor Of
the territory and also specifies that he has paid for
the cattle by giving his own note for S6975, the
hides being included in the purchase. 1t il clear
that the receipt changes the contract Of the Sd of
March into a private contract between Csliz and
Fremont and it seems that in paying for the six
hundred cattle the parties modified the terms of the
original contract. On the 26th April it il agreed
that the hides are to be kept by Fremont; while on
the Sd March it was stipulated that they were to
belong to Celiz. In one case note is given for
S6975 by private individual; in the other the
Governor of California engages to pay $1,000 eight
months after date of contract. Stearnes' receipts
are dated the 1st May and 7th July, lS47. Hence
it seems that Fremont's receipt was not an actual
receipt; and that the note he executed had refer
ence to a future delivery of cattle. By Stearnes'
letter to Stevenson, dated Aug. 12th l947, it ap-
pears that Fremonts note was given on conditions
for there seems to be agreement that Stearnes is
to hold the cattle for three years, to be returned the
same number and class at the end of the term, with
onehaf of increase, excepting such - may be lost
for any other than want of care on his part.
As to Celiz's application to Col. Stevenson and
Col. Mason, we consider it much more probable
that he should attempt to swinde the United States
by trying to make the government responsible on a
private citizens contract, than that so distinguished
an officer as Col. Fremont should leopard his char.
acter and reputation for a few thousand dollars.