San Antonio, Texas 7 Decr. 1860 My dear Major I shall have to repply unofficially to your letter of the 3rd just recd in reference to the allowance of hay. The Circular from the chief to Qr. Mr. which I hope you have received answers your inquiry. But in case it is delayed on the route I will state that the full ration of hay is allowed. I have the Satisfaction also to inform you that in reply to my letters on the Subject to the Secy of War, the Qr. Mr. Genl informs me that he will relieve this Dept. from the expense of the support of Forts Smith, Arbuckle, Washita, & to Cobb, which is the most burdensome, & where they have to pay upwards of $4.00 a bushel for Corn, & by the aid of the fund for Suppression of Indian Hostilities, I hope that we will be put on our leggs [sic] again, & that on the arrival of the Genl. that the full allowance of grain will be restored which it was very grievous to me to reduce. I would rather have put myself in half rations than the horses & mules. Genl. Johnston also writes me that the Secy has determined to give us Some of the funds appropd long Since for Forts on the Western frontier of Texas. So I hope we shall be Comfortable while in the Union. I am looking for the Genl every day. Nichols has joined him. Capt. Cosly has arrived without his wife -- will make his way up to you as Soon as he Shakes [2] off Some of his grief. I shall be lumbering along Somewhere soon. Remember me to my Lady Very truly R. E. Lee Major Earl Van Dorn