Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 13.djvu/230

 222 DOCUMENT on file in the Department of State, shows ; and the benefit that will result to the United States from that measure alone, will be, nay is, at this moment more than ten times equivalent to all the expenses incurred in my journey. From the 1st day of June, 1836, when my private affairs were closed in Guaymas, I devoted myself to the duty assigned me; wholly regardless of my private interest, which would have led me to the capital of Mexico, to prosecute, in person, the claim I hold against that Government. (See my letter of October 10th from San Bias.) In conclusion, I beg leave most respectfully to remark, that inasmuch as I have paid on the account of the Government of the United States in specie, which I carried with me at my own risk, it seems to be but fair that I should be reimbursed in the same currency, to the full amount of my account. With sentiments of the highest respect, I am your most obedient servant, WILLIAM A. SLACUM. To the Hon. JOHN FORSYTH, Secretary of State, Washington. No. 7. ALEXANDRIA. SIR: In submitting this account for the actual expenses I have paid in gold and silver, on account of the Government of the United States, I wish it to be distinctly understood that, from June, 1836, when I closed my private affairs as nearly as I could in Guaymas, I devoted all my time and energies to execute the commission intrusted to me, to the postpone- ment of my private interest, which would have led me to the city of Mexico, to urge in person the claim I hold against that Government, for about 10,000 dollars. I distinctly state, likewise, that I had no private business at the Sandwich islands, or elsewhere, to attend to, after June, 1836, when I commenced my journey towards the Columbia river from Lower California. When I failed in getting to the