War department, January 25 1793. Sir I have received your favor of the 18th instant, and the returns of ordnance and military stores on hand, and articles received since last return. I am very desirous of receiving monthly returns, and due information of the delivery and consumption of all stores. I supposed the quarter master general had fixed your compensation, as a deputy quarter master general. I do not know that I have the power of fixing of it at an higher rate. I believe you paid unremitting attention to the erection of the block houses at Pittsburg, but I never conceived you were to have a separate compensation for that service. Indeed were separate services compensated, this measure would lead to the most pernicious consequences — A public officer ought to have a fixed and known compensation for his services, and his whole time — It then is a contract. Believing, as I do, that you are of great public service and and that entire confidence might be placed in your integrity, and arrangements, I have been happy that you have been situated at Pittsburg, and I flattered myself that you were upon a satisfactory footing. I am Sir, with great esteem, Your humble Ser^t [signature: H Knox] [undecipherable] [Major Craig.]