Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1850-10-17
Oficial---The Bounty Land Bill.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Oct 3, 1850.
The Congress of the United States, late session.
having, In spirit OF justice and beraty, passed
act granting bounty land certain officers and soldiers
who have been engaged in the military service OF the
United States" the President has esteemed it no less
privilege than duty to adopt all the means his pow
to give prompt and efficient operation this beneh-
cent measure.
deem it proper, therefore, to those en-
titled to the benefits of the law that, with his sanction,
have caused all the necessary forms and Instructions TO
guide claimants in applying for and OBJ aiming their rights
TO be prepared, and they in the hands Of the
printer AT the earliest practicable copies OF
these papers will be forwarded each member OF Con-
and the clerk OF the court Of every county
the United States.
1t will be his purpose administer the law in such
manner to make it what Congress designed be,
bounty to the soldier and not agents and specula
The forms and the mode Of proof have therefore
been made simple possible and every facility will
be afforded to establish their just demands Clerks
engaged preparing from the rolls on the file certi-
of service order that those who have not re-
ceved discharges, have accidentally lost them. may
not be disappointed in obtaining their Just reward.
The policy OF this law in all its provisions to dis
courage speculation in the claims of soldiers The
provides tha all sales mortgages letters Of attorney,
and other instruments OF writing going affect the
title or claim to any warrant herein before provided
made executed prior to the ISSUE shall be made null
and void to all intents and purposes whatsoever,
shall such certificate warrant, obtained
thereby, be IN any wise affected by, charged with,
subject to- the payment of any debt claim incurred
by such ocer soldier prior the issuing of the pat
ent."
In his judgment the issue contemplated in the body of
the above recited clause of the law is the Of
patent Consequently all sales, transfers, assignments,
and membranes of soldiers land claims, made before
the emanation OF the patents void and will be dis
regarded by the Government. Spectators there
fore admonished that they acquire rights by pur-
chase which will be recognized by this Department
feel it to be my duty, also, TO the frank and
condng soldier against the and devices of agents,
who will seek to exaggerate the difficulties of obtaining
the land, in order to enhance their own charges.
The evidence of service exists among the archives of
the country In nine of the only proof
qured will be the identity Of the applicant, of the
marriage and widowhood, heirshp. These facts
readily proven and therefore the difficulties will in
cases be merely nominal. And to remove even these
slight obstacles, and to give full and complete ef
feet to the munifcence Of the Government, beg leave
respectfully recommend TO the proper authorities of
each county and township, employ suitable agent,
the expense of the county, to supervise the prepara-
ton Of the applications and proofs of claimants. The
ignorant and 1nwary would thus be protected from i'm
position the poor soldier from the burdens they not
able bear and the from many embarrass-
ments which may result from the awkwardness of in
competent agents.
In conclusion, desire say that great win be
used guard against undue preferences of class of
applicants over Others With this view, at the proper
time, sufficient number of clerks will be emrloyed to
the certificates with the least possible DELAY,
that all may have an equal chance of making adyanta-
geous locations ALEX. H. II. STUART,
Secretary Of the Interior.