433 



A. Yes, sir. 



Q. So the searches showed the State title, yet the State had con- 

 veyed to third persons and you bought from these third persons on 

 the strength of these certified searches ? 



A. Yes, sir. 



Q. And paid them money ? 



A. Yes, sir. ' 



Q. Having done that you discovered something; what did you 

 discover ? , 



A- I discovered they had omitted to leave out this 1859 sale. 



Q. The search from the Comptroller's office was defective ? 



A. Yes, sir. 



Q. On that discovery did you apply to the Legislature for relief to 

 pay into the Comptroller's office this omitted sum ? 



A. I did at the request of the Comptroller. 



Q. Did the bill pass ? 



A. Yes, sir. 



Q. Did it go to the Governor ? 



A. Yes, sir. 



Q. Did you converse with any of the forest commission; any mem- 

 bers of it on that subject ? 



A. Yes, sir. 



Q. Stating what you had done and that the matter was before the 

 Governor ? 



A. Yes, sir. 



Q. "Which one of them ? 



A. Townsend S. Cox. 



Q. What did he say about it to you being favorable ? 



A. He said that they hadn't protested against it and wouldn't protest 

 against the bill. 



Q. Did you speak to him about making objections in the executive 

 chamber ? 



A. Yes. 



Q. He said none had been made and none would be made ? 



A. Yes; told John B. Riley and myself so. 



Q. "Was the bill signed in the executive chamber ? 



A. It was not. 



Q. Did you learn why afterwards ? 



A. Yes. 



Q. "Why, what was the reason ? 



Mr. Anibal. — I submit he had better state his means of knowledge. 



The Witness. — I have.it right there. 

 •55 



