.MTAwMg.NjU2MTE

will find everything in a satisfactory condition, and be troubled only the matter of Subsistence.

  Had it not been for my expected starting on the 3rd of May and the request to be relieved from all duty connected wif [strike] with the Indians, which self respect compelled me to make, I would have taken the whole matter of feeding out of Penney's hands myself [underline] the last of April, and run the thing upon authority on file from Sherman & Sheridan and delegated to me by you, in your absence, until your return.
    I suppose that it saves trouble, however, to have Penney go on feeding in any [underline] way, as long as the Indians get something the main point is attained.  It will be hardest on the contractors who have to take Penney's vouchers instead of money as they will certainly have to get a special appropriation to pay them from Congress.