I should deem it my duty in this case to oppose the Smiths but your circular of the 9th of May last upon the subject of opposing such applications, makes me desirous that you should Judge of the expediency of making opposition before I put the government to any costs, and as I understand the Circular it limits my fees to a per diem allowance, during my attendance at the hearing. In order to enable me to make an efficient and suitable opposition in this case I have in the first place to go from here to a distance of about 300 Miles and collect the necessary evidence. I shall then have to go to a distance of about 100 miles and attend the hearing. I presume it would not be expected that I should perform these journies without being paid my actual travelling expenses and a suitable compensation or per diem allowance during my absence from home. Please inform me whether I shall take the necessary steps to make an efficient opposition in this case, and the amount of compensation that will be allowed me for so doing