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LEWIS CASS TO WORTHINGTON

Near Zanesville Feby 4th. '13

Dear sir,

There is a subject, to which I am anxious to call your attention as there are some respectable individuals, whose peculiar situation merits consideration. There were five or six persons from the County of Licking, who were engaged by the direction of Gov. Hull to form a band of musick. One of them was promised forty dollars per month and the residue twenty. They went and performed the duty of musicians, were taken and returned with us. They have never drawn one cent, They are respectable intelligent men, to whom the loss of their time and property will prove a serious injury. I personally know the engagement Gen. Hull entered into with them. Will you be so good as to enquire at the War office whether the promise of the Comdg. General can be made good to them out of the contingent fund? And use your influence that the object may be effected.

you are well aware, that our men after being, landed at Cleaveland were scattered to the four winds of Heaven. Literally poor naked and sick, their situation required commiseration from all and obtained it from many. Much expense was incurred by charitable individuals in many places for medicine, medical attendance and provisions. The total amount is perhaps not short of $2000. To you, who know destitute they were tis will not be surprizing. I will thank you to enquire and inform me how this money shall be obtained. It would be an insult upon the justice of the nation to suppose that men returning from captivity are to descend upon the ideocinsynxy[?] bounty of individuals for support. The sooner the money can be obtained, the sooner a deep debt of justice and humanity will be discharged.

You will recoll ct, that in the Volunteer Act there is a provision, which renders the publick responsible for any loss, which a Volunteer may incur in his arms, equipment &c. This loss to be ascertained in soie rethod to be prescribed by the President. It certainly is necessary that this business should be taken up and adjusted All. of us lost our horses. The riflemen all lost arms, which belonged to themselves Waggons and teams and clothing were lost. These losses have generally fallen upon men who are illy able to bear them. I trust our Delegation will remember this subject as it is one which interests so many of their fellow citizens.

Winchesters death and defeat has alarmed our Country. The circumstances attending it will doubtless have reached you before this letter. It is an aston- ishing and unaccountable business. The sacrifize was complete and the battle a slaughter. Harrison [illeg.] a position upon the Carrying River. [illeg.] his postion man be tenable no one knows. We are again drafting. The times of the troops from this state with Harrison will expire on the 18th instant. It is impossible that he should be releived in season. There is a general dissatis- faction at drafting. We must have a voluntary and more effecient force. I have no doubt, but I could raise 2000 men in our state. I have some more things to say, but I have already trespassed so much on your tine and patience that I will trouble Mr. Morrow with them.

Ever yours with esteem

Lew Cass

[Ed. The following in the margin. [ Before Winchesters death there were in Harrisons army two Dr. Genl the regular service, two from this state, one from Kentucky, one from Pennsylvania, one from Virginia. Would it not be much better to have the Genl. officers in the regular army. The expense is the same. The

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