TREASURY DEPARTMENT, Comptroller's Office, *January 23d,* 1800. SIR, YOU will I hope excufe me from giving to the Pay-Mafter General the inftructions requefted in your letter of the 18th inftant. General rules fhould not be eftablifhed when it is apprehended their application would operate in fome inftances injurioufly to individuals, in others to the public. It befides, I think, belongs exclufively to the Secretary at War to defignate the officers to whom, and the periods for which, double rations are to be allowed. If you fhould be pleafed to concur in this opinion, a letter from you will be the proper mode of removing difficulties as they arife in the courfe of adjuftment, whether in the office of the Pay-Mafter General, or the Accountant. I beg permiffion alfo refpectfully to recommend, that as your opinion will be regarded at the Treafury as the only authority for making payment in doubtful cafes, it will conduce to the fatisfaction of thofe concerned, that it fhould be always given in writing, and to the difpatch of bufinefs, if explicitly in favor or againft the allowance. I have the honor to be, Sir, With great refpect, Your obedient fervant, JOHN STEELE, *Comptroller.* The honourable James M^cHenry, Esq. *Secretary at War.*