SIR:  The duties devolving on the quartermaster of this post, in addition to his legitimate functions, are very important and onerous, and I am fully aware that the task is more than should devolve on one man.  I will endeavor to get you help in the person of some commissioned officer, and, if possible, one under bond, as he must handle large amounts of money in trust; but, for the present, we most execute the duties falling to our share as well as possible.  On the subject of vacant houses, General Grant’s orders are:  “Take possession of all vacant stores and houses in the city, and have them rented at reasonable rates; rent to be paid monthly in advance.  These buildings, with their tenants, can be turned over to proprietors on proof of loyalty; also take charge of such as have been leased out by disloyal owners.”

I understand that General Grant takes the rents and profits of this class of real property under the rules and laws of war, and not under the confiscation act of Congress; therefore the question of title is not involved simply the possession, and the rents and profits of houses belonging to our enemies, which are not vacant, we hold in trust for them or the Government, according to the future decisions of the proper tribunals.

Mr. McDonald, your chief agent in renting and managing this business, called on me last evening and left with me written questions, which it would take a volume to answer and a Webster to elucidate; but as we can only attempt plain, substantial justice, I will answer these questions as well as I can, briefly and to the point.

First.  When ground is owned by parties who have gone south, and have leased the ground to parties now in the city who own the improvements on the ground?

Answer.  The United States takes the rents due the owner of the land; does not disturb the owner of the improvements.

Second.  When parties owning houses have gone south, and the tenant has given his notes for the rent in advance?

Answer.  Notes are mere evidence of the debt due landlord.  The tenant pays the rent to the quartermaster, who gives a bond of indemnity against the notes representing the debt for the particular rent.

Third.  When the tenant has expended several months’ rent in repairs on the house?

Answer.  Of course, allow all such credits on reasonable proof and showing.

Fourth.  When the owner has gone south, and parties here hold liens on the property and are collecting the rents to satisfy their liens?

Answer.  The rent of a house can only be mortgaged to a person in possession.  If a loyal tenant be in possession and claim the rent from himself as due to himself on some other debt, allow it; but, if not in actual possession of the property, rents are not good liens for a debt, but must be paid to the quartermaster.

Fifth.  Of parties claiming foreign protection?

Answer.  Many claim foreign protection who are not entitled to it.  If they are foreign subjects residing for business in this, country, they are entitled to consideration and protection so long as they obey the laws of the country.  If they occupy houses belonging to absent rebels, they must pay rent to the quarter-master.  If they own property, they must occupy it by themselves, tenants, or servants.