[W. D. 730] W. D. C. M. Nov. 24. 1792 Sir I have considered the questions filed in your letter of this date, respecting the extension of the 4^th Sect of the Act making alterations in the Treasury & War Departments. It is my opinion that no allowance of pay made by a non commissioned Officer or [undecipherable], after the first day of June 1792 is valid; and that the restriction in the Law applies as well to pay which become due before as that which has accrued [undecipherable: former?] that period There is nothing in the law to prevent the payment of money to the Attorney of a non commissioned Officer or Soldier, but the powers of Attorney ought to express that the money is to be rec^d for the use of the Soldier, and should be properly acknowledged and [undecipherable: handed?] in, can be considered & treated as mercantile instruments. To prevent the [undecipherable] purposes of the Law from being evaded, I think the Pay Masters ought to be instructed to notify [undecipherable] by advertisements in the Gazettes & at places of general resort, where payments will be made [undecipherable] them of the law, & that it will [undecipherable: be proper?] to — have the applications made in person — [undecipherable: signature] [Official opinions Nov. 24. 1792 of Soldiers [undecipherable] pay & [undecipherable] Atty Gen[?]]