deference to their views, the evidence concerning him is quoted at greater length than would otherwise be done.

An original copy of Hitchcock's honorable discharge reads as follows:

"War Department
Republic of Texas
Velasco, June 2, 1836

"Be it hereby known, that in consideration of the many hardships endured by the Georgia Battalion in the service of Texas, the bearer Andrew J. Hitchcock, a private in Capt. Wadsworth's Company of said Battalion is this day honorably discharged from the Army of this Republic with the approbation of this department for his fidelity and valor.

Mirabeau B. Lamar
Secretary of War"

Nine months later (on March 15, 1837) Andrew Hitchcock and John C. P. Kennymore appeared at Columbia for the purpose of having their claims audited by the proper officials of the Republic of Texas. Due to a peculiarity of the law, this could not be done without approval of the Secretary of War, and, he being absent, they were referred by the Chief Clerk of the War Department to President Houston, as follows:

"War Department
Columbia, March 15, 1837

"To his Excellency, Sam Houston

"The names of the two young gentlemen who visit you appear on the Muster Roll of Captain Wadsworth's Company, Georgia Battalion, and as having been mustered into the service by Col. J. W. Fannin on the 24th day of December, 1835, & that the said muster roll bears date from the 21st of the same month. The auditor not being empowered to settle their claims, I refer them to you for the purpose