[p. 440] to approve or disapprove of the modes you have taken for the payment of the troops by receiving drafts to be drawn therefor as regulations of this nature have always been made by or under the direction of the Secretary of War. I am &c H.K. Edward Carrington Esq^r Supervisor Richmond V^a Accountants Office December 20^th 1799 Sir I duly recieved your letter dated the 21 Ult^o enclosing the acct therein mentioned which I immediately handed to the Secretary of War for the purpose of having them checked by Phynances of this State that being the customary course of accounts of this nature present. The examination by them has been made & the usual certificates have been annexed by which you will be governed in directing payment to the Contractor. I accordingly return you the acct for that purpose. I am &c H.K. W^m Mifflin Captⁿ [undecipherable] &c Alexandria V^a December 4^th 1799 Sir I have recieved your letter dated the 27 Ult^o on application which I have to inform you that any regulations in allowances not specially provided for by law must be military regulations by the Secretary of War. I have therefore not competent to grant you on the questions you have put as applications must be made for authority as have mentioned thereto previous to any allowance for hire of serv^ts. I am &c H.K.