[Editorial Note:
Letters from John McConihe to J. Sterling Morton copied with permission of the Nebraksa State Historical Association on 17 January 2008 from the MS7 J. Sterling Morton Papers, 1849—1862, Roll 2. Copy and reuse restrictions apply; see the Nebraska State Historical Society Use Policy (http://www.nebraskahistory.org/lib-arch/services/refrence/use_policy.pdf).
]J. Sterling Morton Papers, 1849—1862
MS7
Roll: 2 #8309
Nebraska State Historical Society
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Marshals Office
Feb 9th 1861. Dear Sterling
I intended to write "Dear Morton" but your great merit impelled me to write "Sterling."
To give you items without fancy, I will say we returned to Omaha from the Bluff in good condition, and that the "machine" meaning the fi—nancial department of this office has run in an admirable manner. Just as we were busted, Clopper's draft very unexpectedly came along and we held our heads high and paid all claims. Again we were running our short al—lowance; when unannounced the W.S. Marshal came post haste with some $1260. So you may know that with my luck, financial abilities and unimpeached credit, I have kept along much to my surprise. I have
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paid Robertson, Buchanan ($140) and severl other small claims, and have loaned Mcgrath $200 Smith $60, and left a few dollards at Kountze's, thus making out to outsiders that there is a large surplus on hand. Moore is pay—ing out and talking sesesh. But he thinks he would rather be at present in Omaha, than in Arkansas.
To day I drew on St Louis for $3000 and did it for the following reasons. 1st You had not been heard from, altho telegraphed at St Joe and Chicago. 2d Fearful that you might go to Detroit without knowing the funds were in St Louis, and that something would turn up by which the funds would be extracted by other people, less entitled to them. 3d In case you had drawn it would do no harm and in case you had not, it might do good.
Instruct me what to do with the said money in case it comes here
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and in case you get it send me, as musch as you can spare. All will be well.
The Governor has not departed as yet for his home.
Confidential. Remember what "M"Clopper" and myself said to you about Hitchcock and avoid such action if possible. Will send you letters by next mail. "Clop" is well and sends much love. Help him if possible about his draft.
Give my best regards to Mrs Morton.
Respectfully John McConihe | 
