[think] proper on the occasion It strikes me that it might introduce some perplexity, if not confusion, in the accounts of, as well as arrangements for, your department, were the business to pass from your superintendance to that of another, for the short period between January and the 4^th of March; as therefore you seem inclined to continue till March, your accounts may be brought up accordingly. After finishing the transportation of the public property, you will [strikethrough: proceed to dispose] of as many of the Oxen, and Pack-Horses, as may not be absolutely necessary for incidental, and occasional Services during the winter. You will of course give due notice in the News-papers, and otherwise, of the time and place where they are to be sold, and return an account of the sales. I leave it with you to make such dispositions on this subject, as may oper-ate to prevent them from selling under their value. Sir, October 31^st 1796. Be pleased to raise an account against the Contractor for all expences that have accrued, in transporting any articles, to enable him to ful-fil the terms of his Contract, and transmit the same to the Secretary of the Treasury in order that the Contractor may be charged therewith. Sir, March 17. — 1797. I have received your letters dated the 17^th Nov^r, 17^th Feb^y ult., and [undecipherable] and to this instant.