Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1863-07-24
MURFREEsnoRo', n. c., July IL, 1856;


III. L. F. E1nrst, Hamilton, " o.:
DEAR SIR-Your letter of last month has been received
You of the which have delayed answer
and need not repeat them.
You inform of the circulation of report in such of
the NorIhCarnlna regiments have in them companies
from this Congressional District that in the late Congress
of the Confederate States whilst other salaries and fees
advanced opposed by vote, increase of the
pay oil the soldiers and you do the justice TO
your own disbelief Of its truth For your friendly comb
eIce and candOr feel under strong obligations, your
communication affords me lit opportunity to notice aud
correct the charge.
am u loss 10 know how and with whom such report
originated but not rs To the purposes OF its circulation
Is utterly tch1at foundation and False. My action has
been the exact of that imputed While voted
uniformly and steadily f1r increase of the pay Of the
private sulder in the different forms in which the PROPOSE
lion presented TO the House. voted against adrdce
Of the compensation allowed the employees OF The govern
ment among other because OF its injustice To those
who were bearing the hardshps and Prratons OF active
service in the field.
At each OF its two last sessions the House of Represen-
tatves by large majores, passed bull increasing the
OF privates from eleven 10 fifteen dollars month
These bills defeated in the Senate. supported also
lprUpositOn to allow Communication in money Tor deficient
raons which supposed to equal the proposed increase
OF pay At the last session and ITS cnSe before the
unvorabe action of the Senate had been taken upon the
bill on motion OF the Hon. Mr. Garrett the House enarg
ed the appropriation reported by the committee OF Ways
Means for the support Of the army 10 sum sufficient to
cover the contemplated Increase OF the soldiers pay The
Senate reduced the appropriation 10 the estimate Of the
committee. The House TO the bill receded from its
position and agreed to the amendment of the Senate
voting the first aud against accedng to
the Senate amendment These statements sufficient to
show what my has been in the absence Of pub
lshed journal the subject 10 which the charges REFER
quite unpleasant to enter into such personal Details
bearing the appearance of seeking popularity through
worthy means; and nothing but the duty myself and
respect for Others induces to notice and correct
false and injurious accusations which, swered, might
erlve support from silence aud ultimately force
themselves the Conviction of the pubic mind. Nor
do wish TO iusen any prejudice towards such differed
with 10 the prOprety and policy of the proposed
do not refer this remark to my colleagues for
in this in most matters of general policy sentiments
in harmony. that the good Of the country
and the Of the aim and end OF the
efforts of ALL have been in assembly where have been
displayed unSeiSh and elevated patriotism, and
single and sincerity Of purpose by joint legislation to
the successful issue of the great struggle for pot
cal freedom in which engaged Differing AS the
members often did they did not differ TO the
Object to be OJdtae Our gallant army, BY It's endurance
its vanr, and its patriotism, has the admiration and
the full confidence OF ITS Congress Of the entire
country 1t is Vi the highest Importance that confidence
should be reciprocal and cordial 1t shall be my aim
long deserved foster and promote the harmony and
good will between these branches of the public service
that the united abOrS Of the council and heId most
efficiently work out political delverance aud firmly
maintain the great right Of sefgJvernmen involved in
this in our first revolution.
Very respectfully, yours, &c,
w. N. H. SMITH.