Wilson M. C. Fairfax to Nicholas P. Trist
| Dear Trist | Washington-City, 30th Decr 1818. |
Since my last Ragland has had from the Chief o Engineers some avowal of sentiments which I mention because I think them, coming as they do from that source, of some consequence.
Col. Armistead has heretofore been a pretty warm opposer of the committee on the same principles as Majr Thayer grounded his order of the 27th novr upon. And with all behaved himself less civil than any other officer in the army of our Acquaintance. But yesterday he was exceedingly polite affable and anxious, to Mr Ragland; expressed “his confidence that justice would be done us, & in a manner leaving us nothing to complain of:” recommending to the committee “to take no measures until a decision was made by the Secretary.”
Mark the fear evidently shewn in the latter part of his expressions:—a fear which proceeding as it does from a conviction of the power which truth and justice must finally obtain over duplicity and Despotism—and also from a knowledge of the many and influential friends, officers of distinction, of & citizens of high standing—points out a revolution in the opinion of one whose exertions we had most to fear.
I had an interview with the Sec. of war yesterday on the Subject of pay & Transportation being refused us: he answered that the recept of the same being delayed for a few days until a decision was made, would not materially affect us.
I judge from his expressions that the court has progressed rapidly in their investigations I fear too rapidly!—but of this I hope to know from yourself ere long.
I have now to make a troublesome request of you which [. . .] however I hope call too largely on your time.
My cousin Griffith left unpaid several debts at West-Point. I was commissioned to pay them with money to be sent long ago: it has reached West-Point by this time if it has not miscarried. Will you open any letters of mine and let me know if there be one from Mr John Griggs of Jefferson Coty Virginia. If it contain money (which amounts to $260.) oblige me by obli paying for Lieutt Griffith Burton $175.00 & Sparrow $20.00 taking their receipts and keeping the rest for me till you hear from me. You may pay those persons lawful intst if they ask it.
Please forward from West-Pt office any letters for me: in so doing you will much oblige
It is somewhat strange that Loring has not heard any thing1 of consequence from us altho’ we have kept up a constant and particular correspondence with him—he complains of having no letters from the [. . .]—