Baton Rouge tri-weekly gazette & comet. [volume] (Baton Rouge, La.) 1865-18??, 1867-08-27
Half a Million Leak Out of a Large
HOle-The Investigations Now
Going On How the Frauds were
Discovered. etc.

Half a Million Leak Ou { of a Large
H0le-The Investigations Now
Going On How the Frauds were
Discovered. etc.
An investigation is now in progress in
this city, to sift out some heavy frauds
committed at the U. S. Clothing Depot,
corner of Washington and Laight streets.
Some months since, Capt. Potter was in
charge there, but being relieved, Capt.
Gill was put in his place. This latter
officer, knowing that he had a heavy re-
sponsiblity resting upon him, estimated at
several millions Of dollars, betook to him
self the task of knowing how things stood
within the walls of the vast government
building. 1t was not long before he
discovered ir1egularity-apparently, most
fragrant.
He at once commenced an Investigation,
employing George r. Webster as his at
toIney to conduct the case. Affidavits
have been taken, and it appears that some
Of the superintendents, clerks and other
subaltern. have been engaged in pecula
tons. Through a system of favoritism by
employees, deficiency of thousands OF
dollars has been caused. One way in
which this was brought about was by pri-
vate dealers in this city button holing the
clerks and other employ es before Gov
eminent sale, and giving them u sufficient
consideration TO fix the lots, after the sales,
to suit their best interests. Upon the sale
being completed, tie honest man would
find quite different and an inferior article
thrust upon him than that which he sup
posed he had purchased.
The sharper would get better lot, and,
as matter of course, was never known IT,
grumble, for those whom he had ted took
good care that his lot would be to his
liking. But this was not all. When the
Government ordered the inferior articles
sold, the better ones were put forward and
the worst were kept back. Brides did the
work-and the Government is made u loser
thereby to very heavy amount.
Capt. Potter was not cognizant Of the
deficiency that existed ia the clothing
camp and garrison equipage until in formed
by Capt Gill. He accounted in this way
that, during the war, there was considera
bic confusion in making issues OF tho vari
GUS things, mistakes might have occurred
which did not become manifest until the
goods in store were all compared with
those marked on the books. He is earnest
in his endeavors to assist Capt. Gill TO
trace out the frauds.
The articles principally missing are coats
overcoats, pants, boots and shoes. They
were removed ftom the depot at different
times and III various man uers, though H.
far as cun be ascertained at present., under
the cover of legitimate sales.
The Investigation is progressing; but the
most curious feature of the whole proceed
ing is, that thus far all the employees who
have made affidavits duplicating othe,
employees have been suspended by Gen
Vlnton, Chief Of the Depot. Whether
others will come forward and give intor-
nation, under oath, of what knowledge
they possess on the subject, remains to be
seen.
AS fast as Che evidence is obtained it Is
submitted to Gen. Vinton.
1t is said that the investigation was thus
summarily brought about by discussion
between some parties as to whether the
captain in charge is responsible for all in
the depot as charged to him. The depo,
has contained several million dollars
worth of governmental property at q time
and this would naturally make an officer
anxious to have. tho articles under his
charge correspond with those appearing on
his books.
The employees are not engaged by him
to him they are to degree strangers, re-
ceiving their appointment upon the ap
prevail of the Chief of the Depot, Gen.
Vinton.
The investigation is being conducted
with the utmost secrecy. The officers are
not inclined to give any Information al
present to the public, bat the facts as here
stated appear to be the embodiment Of the
whole subject. The total amount which
the Government will lose through these
populations may Mount to half million
dollars NeD Tork Mems. 17tb inst.