[February 2. 1795 To Secty of War [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable]] M^r Howells compliments to Col. Pickering & submits ^{to his consideration} the enclosed letter & [hopes it] meets his approbation that he will be pleased to promote its contents — The Committee meet in the morning when it will [be] proper that the letter should be before them — Monday Feb. 2. 1795. [Enclosure/s] [letter from Joseph Howells to the Committee of the [Representatives?] on the [affairs?] of the [Clerks?]] [The Committee appointed to enquire into the establishment of Clerks of the several Departments] War Department Accountants Office February 2^nd 1795 Gentlemen / I have had it in contemplation for a length of time past, to apply to Congress, to be allowed a principal Clerk, in my Office; and understanding, that your powers embrace this object, I take the liberty to bring the matter before your Honorable Committee. I could not have dispensed with such an application, had I not by virtue of the law authorizing the Heads of departments, to dispose of salaries agreeably to merit, been enabled to retain with me a Gentleman who has been in this Department for upwards of nine years; So that such a regulation would not be an encrease of expence, but would Greatly Facilitate the business, and would be almost indispensible in cases, where by sickness or by any other cause, I should be necessarily absent; provided certain powers in such cases, were delegated by law; and of which the wisdom of the Committee will be the most Competent Judge. I would only intimate as objects of attention the various and great extent of business, its increase and importance and in certain cases the disadvantage to the Public of delay I am With the greatest respect Your Obedient Servant [Copy] Signed Joseph Howels The Honorable Thomas Fitzsimmons Esq^r Chairman —