Fort Gibson, Indian Territory,
January 10, 1871.
Sir: Albert Barnes, clerk of the Illinois district court, Cherokee Nation, as representative of the heirs of Lieutenant Alexander F. Barnes, deceased, late of Company M, Fourteenth Kansas Cavalry, desires us to inquire relative to the claim for back pay of said officer, and to ascertain the testimony required to establish the same.
Among the papers put in our possession as relating to said claim appears the enclosed blank declaration, which, as the judge’s signature appears to be genuine, is transmitted as a further illustration of the manner in which the judiciary of this country is conducted. Please furnish us the information desired by Mr. Barnes.
Respectfully, yours,
GEO. E. WEBSTER,
F. E. FOSTER,
Special Agents Pension-Office,
Hon. E. B. FRENCH,
Second Auditor.