War office 20^th May 1789 Sir I thank you for having shewn me the letter from his Execiency Governor Howard, wherein he expresses his wish, that the warrants for the bounties of land due the late army might be transmitted to the respective States and there issued to the parties entitled to the same; as being more convenient than the present arrangement. Independent of my not having authority from Congress to distribute the warrants in that mode; I presume it could not be adopted, consistently with justice to the public, and the degree of regularity necessary to be observed in the busin[ess] Although som[e] States may have offices to which this business might be attached, yet is most probable that claims would afterwards be made on the United States for compensation, and in other States, offices at a considerable expence must be established for the purpose. But were the expence out of the question, the system necessary to be observed in examining the original claims, the numerous transfers, and the recording the warrants issued, and taking the receipts for the same, all require the business to be carried on under one direction. The Officers and soldiers in the respective States can easily empower any of the delegates in Congress to receive their warrants; and one power will serve for any number, and they can receive their warrants without any expence. I should be happy to concur in any proper mode in order that the warrants might distributed with the greatest facility — But the rules established on this point appear to be necessary, in order to guard as well the individuals, as the public from injury. I have the honor to be, Sir, with the highest respect your most obedient humble servant Knox — [The Honorable M^r Daniel Carroll] [address leaf: The honorable Daniel Carroll esquire, Smith Street, New York. War office.]