Art. 5.[V'-2] Letter, Pike to Salcedo. ([Orig. No. 11], p. 72.)
Chihuahua, April 6th, 1806 [i. e., 1807].
Sir:
Having been for near the space of a year absent from my country, the probability of its yet being two or three months before I arrive in the territory of the United States, and the necessity of passing through some hundred leagues of foreign territory, with the distressed situation of my troops, have induced me to apply to your Excellency for a necessary supply of money. Any arrangement which may be conceived proper for the remuneration I will cheerfully adopt, to pay it either to the Spanish consul at New Orleans, or the ambassador of his Catholic Majesty at Washington.
The sum which I conceive will answer the present purposes of myself and troops is $1,000, for which I will give such vouchers as your Excellency may conceive proper.
I have the honor to assure your Excellency
of my high respect, and
to be your obedient servant,
[Signed] Z. M. Pike.
His Excellency,
General Salcedo.