[1799 Feb 16] War Department 16^th February 1799. Sir, Received by the last mail, from Wilmington North Carolina, a letter from Griffith J. Mc Ree, dated the 30^th of January last, enclosing the copy of a letter for to son to him, dated the 11^th January, in which you inform him, that the auditor of the Treasury, has transmitted to you, several vouchers for monies disbursed by Mr McRee, as more proper to be examined, and [undecipherable] in your office, and that before this can take place, it will be necessary for him to shew, by what authority, he made those disbursements. Griffith J. McRee was employed, and authorized by the Secretary of War, to repair, and erect certain works, for the defence of Wilmington N. C. and he requested me, to take such measures, as may be proper, to effect an adjustment of his accounts. In my letter to you, of the 19^th September last, I enumerated the principal agents charged with the erection, and repair of fortifications, and was one of them, named G. J. McRee of Wilmington North Carolina. "I observed in the same letter," it will be proper for the present, to consult the powers or letters to the agents, having accounts to settle that the objects of their appointments, may be understood." My meaning, and intention was that you should have recourse to the letters and powers, which are always recorded, in the proper office of the Department, and can consequently be at all times expeditiously consulted, without occasioning delay in the settlement of accounts, or unnecessary trouble to you, by producing them from a distance. The letters to Mr. G. J. McRee, which respect expenditures, are dated, viz May 15^th June 4^th July 17^th and 24^th September the 13^th and November 27^th 1798. Mr. McRee states, That it became necessary to remove the barracks, which stood immediately on the spot, requisite for the site of a Block house, and to repair the same; that the greatest economy was used by him, having purchased all the materials himself, at the lowest price. All competent vouchers, to rule & authenticate these expenditures, are to be submitted. I am Sir, your obedient servant James McHenry William Simmons Esq^r Acc^t War Dept