[Copy of a letter from the Secretary of War to David Henley Esq^r] War Office, August 13. 1796. Sir, Mr Stephen Hillis having been appointed with the approbation of the President of the United States, deputy Pay Master and Storekeeper of the public property in Tennessee, I here annex a Copy of his Instructions, and Powers. With respect to his powers as Storekeeper you will perceive, That he is accountable for all public property placed under his Superintendance, and that no part or parcel thereof is to be drawn out of the public Store, but by an order signed or countersigned by the Agent of the department of War. You will therefore be pleased to make an Inventory of all public property in your keeping, and deliver the same to the Storekeeper, taking his receipt therefor; and transfer in like manner under his Superintendance, all public property that may hereafter come into your hands. With respect to his duties as deputy Pay Master you will observe. That he is to examine and settle all Pay Abstracts of the regular Troops and Militia in the service of the United States and certify to you the Sums due thereon; and that he is also to examine and report the Sums due on all other Claims against the United States, which the Agent of the department of War is authorized to admit and pay. Of course you will direct all such claims and accounts to be referred to the deputy Pay Master for examination and adjustment; and will when reported re-examine the same, and if found right, pay them. It will be proper in conformity with this System that you should furnish the deputy Paymaster with any Instructions you may have received or may receive touching the admission or Settlement of Claims against the United States: as all accounts or Claims before being paid must undergo his examination and be reported by him to be due. After arranging the business of your department upon those principles, should you still continue desirous to be relieved, you will be pleased to give early notice, that the President may look out for a fit Successor, to be on the spot before you quit your Post. You will cultivate, yourself, and recommend it to the Storekeeper to cultivate, the good will of the Governor and Officers of the State of Tennessee, that so, the measures of the General Government may not be in any ways obstructed from their dislike of those who may have to execute its orders. I have had a letter of the 20^th of July ultimo from Governor Sevier, stating the propriety of keeping up the Militia employed on the frontiers. — You will be pleased to consider them in the Service of the United States till further Orders. I have the honor to be Sir, Your obed^t Servant, signed James McHenry Sec^y of War. David Henley Esq^r [Instructions]