| Office of Depot Qr Mr |
| Houston, Decr 8, 1863 |
| |
| Lieut Stephen D. Yancey |
| A A Genl |
| Houston |
| |
| Lieut, |
| For the information and action
of the Major Genl Comdg I ask with the utmost respect to lay before him
the following facts. |
| I am and have been since being
assigned to duty at this Post, receiving and disbursing large supplies
of corn, most of which is recd in the Shuck -- when recd by me or my
agents in the Country it is measured in Barrels, being thrown in very
loosely; when transported either by Rail Roads or Wagons, it
naturally settles and shrinks very much, so much so, that a car well
filled at Hempstead Columbus or other points, has decreased in
bulk very materially on arriving here, hence those to whom I make
transfers refuse, perhaps very justly to receive and receipt to me for
the quantity I am obliged to receipt for in purchasing this in many
instances causes ill feeling and even an imputation on my official acts.
There are now some instances where Qr Mr refuse positively to furnish me
receipts for corn, transferred to them direct as received by me. All who
acquainted with the facts in regard to corn know that by constant
handling transporting &c. there must be a serious loss by waste,
stealing shrinking &c. |
| To prevent further
difficulties in the deliveries and to protect myself from loss, on that
already received and to be hereafter received, I would respectfully
suggest, that the Major Genl Commanding appoint a board of Appraisers
whose duty it shall be to examine and investigate this matter
thoroughly, and report on same, when if found to correspond with the
above statement, they may be allowed to fix a fair and just per centage,
to cover said losses, and that a Special Order may be made in accordance
thereto, by which I can expend said per centage to make up deficiencies. |
| I have the honor to be |
| Very Respectfully |
| Your Obt Servt |
| John E. Grady |
| Capt & A. Q. M. |
|