Sterling Price to George W. Randolph, August 6, 1862

Tupelo, Miss., August 6, 1862.

Hon. GEORGE W. RANDOLPH, Secretary of War:

I have the honor to inform you that when I assumed command of the Army of the West I found that a large portion of the troops had never been paid, though they had been in service for from six to eight months. I immediately caused statements to be made of the pay in arrears and forwarded them to the general commanding the department, and received in reply the inclosed communication,* signed by Maj. Albert J. Smith, chief paymaster of the department. This reply encouraged me to hope that the funds might yet be obtained in a reasonable time; but General Bragg, when he left for Chattanooga, directed me to send to Richmond for them and not to expect them to be forwarded through his headquarters. I therefore send Major Williams, quartermaster of one of the divisions of this army, to Richmond with the proper estimates, and I beg you to order him to be facilitated in this business as far as possible. Many of my officers and men are in very great need of money, and the chiefs of the several departments also. As we are about to begin an active campaign it is very important that we should not be crippled by a want of funds.

I am, sir, with the greatest respect,

your obedient servant,

Major-General, Commanding.