The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-03-11
<NOTUEn or THEM.
,Ths Greedy Brother-in-Law who Has .
Tradina Post In New Mexico.

from ne Chicago Times.
, In view OF the recent exposure OF the
manner in witch post sutlerships are run and
! disposed Of, through the downfall OF Belknap.
isvsrything In that connection Ia Of interest to
Gthe public. Mr.. J. II. Howard, Of this city. who
Igisited New Mexico last summer during ms
brother 90 Mrs Grant. the wife Of the President.
This gentleman states that lie travelled two DAYS
hand a night in Fort Union staee.coach with
Che Colonel, aud during the period OF time inii-
rcated he lccams pretty we'll acquainted Win
this relative OF the White House.
Col. Dent was appointed post sutler at Fort
Union, In New Mexico, soon after Grants cleo
hpost Is one Of the best sutlerships on the from
tier, " not the best, Col. Dent claims That ms
annual profits arc $1,000 per annum, Put me
merchants Of tho neigh boring town OF Les We
gas estimate that the Colonies trade Is worth
mot less than 10000 per annum Mr. Howard
Estates that he was in and about the post Tor Tour
weeks or more, and became somewhat CON
rsrsant with the manner ~ winch me business .,'
post were highly exaspcratcd at the cxtOrtions
ipf the Colonel, which they pronounced ahtte
= There are stationed at this :, ost two regiments
of infantry and all tho sutler supplies Tor the
sntiro garrison are furnished Dy Ool. DENT fort
Rory. and the demand upon the suffer u Tor all
Kinds Of fomi y supplies. Many OF the officers
VERY considerable trade Is carried on. The sol
oilers OF the command often purchase reckless
1y, and wien they have no money they pass over
10 Col Dent nm order on the United States Pay
master for the indebtedness. Often when pay
Hay arrives the sutler takes all the money, and
teaves the poor patriot without q cent. A high
price Is CHARGED for every article Of consump-
Zion. The Colonel Informed Mr. Howard that
suits Of citizens clothes. which cost him $40 at
tbe fort he sold for 500. The goods are dis
played, the prices are fixed, and II the customer
Nnds any fault with the MONETARY standard Of
she article he wishes to purchase, all that Col.
Dent asks Ia that he let It alone.
(, The Ulcers OF the command stated TO Mr..
Howard that the Colonel was so unpopular that
fhey would not associate win him or invite
him TO their houses Col Dents VIE s no
In nne style by the Income derived from the
post. The Colonel himself makes two trips n
Year to Fort Union TO look after matters there,
And to bring back his none" In addition to
his other privileges Col Dent has forage
agency. Detachmcnts OF soldiers are contin-
ually passing from one post to another, and the
Colonel furnishes them with supplies. which
Are paid for literally Ov the Government on
proper vouchers. A considerable Income s de-
rived from this department also. ~ the time
had just purchased $4,000 worth of goods, which
he had sent 60 the post.
Col. Dent carried hospitable black bottle
And under Its influence he became talkative.
lie let fall some scraps OF history concerning
Family matters which were somewhat interest
felt very proud OF its alliance with Grant until
late in life; lie says they all thought julia
MRS. GranO might have done better, at the
time. ! he parents Of the Presidents wife were
much opposed to the marriage. but II did nc
good. Julia was obstinate, and met Liss where
bver she could. The Colonel stated that one
DAY he was ont riding with hi. sister. when be
met Grant, who was on horseback: On this oc
eason Grant gave evidence OF that strategic
ability which has since characterized bin
Grant halted the Colonel aud asked him &c
look at the horse he was riding. Grant stated
that II was tlne ANIMAL aud he wished to have
the Colonel try him. Col. Dent climbed out Of
lhe carriage and exchanged places with 'Lss
That ride settled the matter. LIS and julia
made 1t w between them TO get married Ia spit,
Of the opposition OF the old folks. How wei
They carried out the programme the people OF
the United States know very well. Col. Dem
was down on Sartoris and thought that JUL,
should have managed to make better mattel
Tor Princess Nellie. lie considered SartOris
weak drained, sqft-pated Brlton, not at al
worthy Of the blood and record OF the Dents
rhis was az ont what MIR. Howard picked up OF
his 2o-nile ride with the brother-in-law Of the
President