At present there is not the slightest danger there, the agency is one of the most quiet and peaceful places within the limits of the Confederate Government.
Apply to the undersigned who will remain a few days in Sherman and afterward at the Washita Agency.
July 21st 1862.
LEEPER [?] TO PARKS
Sherman, Texas, July 28th, 1862.
Mr. Robert W. Parks,
Sir,—Enclosed you will please find the copy of a letter of instructions to me from Gen’l Pike the Acting Superintendent of Indian Affairs (addressed to you) in reference to fifteen thousand dollars appropriated by the Government to purchase farming utensils, oxen, wagons and stock animals for Indians located on the Washita Reserve, which fund was handed to you. The direction of the expenditures of the fund legitimately belongs to the local Agent who is alone supposed to know the amount and description of articles necessary to be purchased for the Indians, hence Gen’l Pike’s letter. Before making any of the purchases indicated it would be well to see me in order to ascertain the amount and description required, the Indians already have been furnished with a few wagons, oxen and farming utensils, in fact in reference to farming implements they are well enough supplied with the exception of weeding hoes and axes; and in reference to the stock animals to be purchased I would like to have a distinct understanding with regard to the quality and the price; a responsible gentleman whom I met here is willing to furnish cows and calves, the cows not to exceed six years old delivered at the agency at sixteen dollars; therefore I should be unwilling to receive on the part of the Government animals of that description at a higher price in the absence of positive instructions to that effect; the quantity also to be purchased is an important item.
If you will take the trouble to visit the Agency, I will give you an exact description of the articles necessary to be purchased and will give you the preference as a contractor for furnishing the same.
A copy of this letter will be furnished the Acting Superintendent Gen’l Pike, and the Department. Very respectfully, Your obt sevt.
[M. Leeper]