[undecipherable] [Enc. McHenry to the Pre. 1800 Feb 2] [A] War Department 24 January 1800 [1800 Jan 24 | Mar 12] Brig: General Macpherson has represented to me that the circumstances render it indispensible to maintain for [undecipherable] some certain detachments of Captain Robineau's troop of horse composing a part of his force on the Northampton expedition at taverns, and that it would neither comport with the Justice of the United States, nor the situation in which these men were placed or the particular service they were called upon to perform, were they individually to be made responsible for their maintainance during that period. Being satisfied with his representation, you will admit to the Credit of the proper officer the amount which shall appear to have been incurred in the maintenance of the detachments quartered at taverns. The General has also represented to me, that he incurred for his family a very considerable expence which could not be avoided as the civil officers and citizens he was obliged to entertain at his table during the expedition. That his pay as Brigadier General being temporary is coextensive with the expenditure only, cannot be re[undecipherable: considered?] equivalent to his outfit and other expences, and that he thinks it proper that the United States should pay certain incidental expences occasionally incurred at taverns for himself and family. Considering the temporary service the General was employed on; that it was of a nature which necessarily induced unusual expences; that the rations he was entitled to could not be commensurate to these and the support of his table; and that his pay and emoluments [undecipherable] with the expedition, I think it right that the extraordinary expences he has incurred for himself and family guards or guests at taverns, should [be admitted] to the proper account. You will therefore be pleased to admit them to the proper account under the precautions usual in such cases. I am, Sir &c Will^m Simmons Esq^r. Signed James McHenry