[222] now approving of the conduct of their Officers who have ordered expenditures of their own authority I particularly with hold my approbation respecting the conduct of such as have already communicated with this Department as they are not authoriz'd. they are certainly responsible for the orders they gave & more particularly for drawing payment from the Contractors — I wonder it would be right to pass such parts as admit of no doubts to the Contractors credit, & to make this an Establish'd rule in your Office never to admit any Vouchers but such as appear authoriz'd — Jan 8^th N? — Tow^d Jackson Accountants Office Sup^t Hostos August 7 1797 Sir The treasurer of the United States will remit you the sum of Ten hundred fifty six Dollars & 7/100 being so much due to Edmund Manchester Contractor for supplies of rations Quarter master & Hospital Stores from the Provision at Battle William Islamet in Cap^t Gray lately, which sum you will please to pay to the said Edmund Manchester, upon his granting you his receipts th^m of which you will transmit to this Office — I inclose you my letter to Edmund Manchester which you will please forward Jachon — Sam R? [illegible initials]