War Department February 16 1799

Sir

                 In answer to your letter of the 9th instant

I have referred the Abstract A enclosed in it to the Quarter Mas- ter General for examination and his opinion thereon, a copy of which is enclosed.

    It appears from his letter that it has been customary

for the Quarter Master’s department to allow for forage for Horses [indecipherable] and for provisions for the persons employed, because the ra- tions given were always supposed to meet the provision [indecipherable]. So far then of the Abstract as is admissible according to this opinion it will be proper you should examine and report the Sum due, that it may be finally settled.

    Abstract B. you state as composed of expences for him-

self and the Volunteers of Kentucky during the period he was em- ployed mustering, paying and inspecting them, and that this duty was assigned him by General Wayne.

    It is certainly to be wished that both accounts had

been settled by the Officers with the Army, who made the advances

                                                    or

or to whose department the money received by Captain Butler in both these cases is chargeable as they could have best deter= mined the propriety of the exhibits and the fitness of the Vouchers. - I am sensible however that circumstances incident to the military Service will often occur after such duties are performed by Officers, and put it out of their power to adjust their accounts with the Depart= ments with whom they ought to have settled them. In such cases it is not right the Officer should suffer.

In order therefore that strict justice may be done to Captain

Butler, I think it will be proper that you should examine the Instructions to General Wayne relative to the Volunteers of Ken= tucky, and General Wayne’s instructions to him, and should it appear that the Services enjoined upon him were performed [undecipherable] examine further whether similar allowances have been made to officers employed on like services, and so far to report in his fa= vor as the above documents and facts will justify. ~

                            I am Sir
                             Your obedt servant
                               James McHenry