D^r Sir (Private). I have signed the paper upon which you requested the opinion of the Heads of Departments. I take the liberty to suggest however, that [underline: written official opinions] ought not in my judgement to be called for, without the direction of the President. I am Sir Yours truly, Dec^r 7. 1798. Oliv. Wolcott. James M^cHenry. Esq^r. I think the power of the President ought to be given to the Treasurer in his [strikethrough: capacity of] character. his Treas. for the Department of War, to be in his hands subject to the warrant of the Sec^y. of War. Jan^y 28. '99. Oliv. Wolcott. D^r Sir. M^r Harrison says that my opinion is desired respecting an advance to him, to pay the debts due by M^r. Francis, the late purveyor. I think the [strikethrough: allowance] advance ought to be made. I am D^r Sir Yours obed^t. Oliv. Wolcott. James M^cHenry Esq. May 26 1800