Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 02.djvu/108

98 The case may be briefly stated: the Government has lost the confidence of the people, and can get no further credit from them, and without money your Department must inevitably break down.

It is not probable that the authorized issues of the Treasury will even be sufficient to pay past indebtedness and cover future purchases, but the people would be satisfied if the certificates of indebtedness held by them to a certain period were made receivable in payment of taxes, and then all funds received by disbursing officers could be used for future purchases.

Is such a measure feasible, or is there any near prospect of relief from the present extreme and dangerous embarrassment touching the subsistence of our armies? Very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

(Signed)

Major and Chief C. S. Alabama.

P.S.—I beg to offer the suggestion that the authority given by the Secretary of War to pay local value till 1st February, be extended indefinitely, or at all events until the new Macon crops is disposed of.