.MTAzMw.NjkxNDM

57 [stamp]

this Department.

         The object of this request is, to enable me to designate to the posts in the Department, according to their several necessities, the amount that can be expended thereat, during the year, that they may arrange and economize in its expenditure.
         There is no doubt, that a Commanding Officer, knowing exactly the amount at his disposal for this or any other purpose, and that he cannot expend it, will be more watchful of its expenditure, and work it to better advantage for the comfort of his command, than it is possible to do under the present system, where every one tries to all possible, and when buildings and repairs are frequently undertaken and before completion, the money is found to be exhausted, and the amount already expended of no practical value.  There is no effectual way of keeping expenditures within desired limits and accomplish anything, except to advise in advance what these limits are.  There may be practical difficulties in the way of complying with my request, of which I am ignorant, but if not, I respectfully urge it.
         After knowing, how much I can expend in the Department for the purpose named, I will have a tabular statement made of its intended distribution to Posts, and submit it for the approval of the Secretary of War.
         I submit for due consideration the fact, in my opinion, that there is no Military Department so much in need of liberal allowance, in this respect, as the Department of Texas.
                                  I am, very respectfully
                                  Your obdt. servant
                           (Sgd)  C. C. Augur
                                      Brigadier General

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 926. MERRIAM, [left margin] Major H. C. Merriam, September 9. 1872. 24th Infantry, Commanding Fort Duncan, Tex. Major:

              I have the honor to enclose a copy and translation from an extract from a private letter, received in this city from a gentleman at Piedras Negras.
         The Commanding General desires that you select some reliable person, who understands Spanish, to investigate the truth of the statements therein made, and to obtain all the reliable information possible, concerning these Indians.                 It is particularly important to ascertain how many