[Docket on cover: letter from the Secretary [undecipherable] last [undecipherable] [undecipherable] Answer of one from [undecipherable] the [undecipherable] [undecipherable] on [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] McHenry] War Department 7^th February 1800 Sir I have received your letter dated the 3 instant detailing sundry accounts of expences incurred by Brig^t Gen^t Macpherson while commanding on the Northampton expedition. Upon further consideration of the subject I am accidedly of opinion, that justice and the interests of the government, as well as usage require, that a commanding General, on an expedition of sudden emergency, and short continuance - should be allowed the expences of a table suited to his family. The late President of the United States when he took the field as commander in chief of the armies of the United States during the western insurrection had his camp equipage, table furniture liquors and provisions provided at the public expence. Major General Lee who commanded the troops on the same occasion had his table provided at the public expence. And Major General Morgan who succeeded in the command had his table also furnished in like manner. These cases have established the principle. and and practice. A different course would have discredited the Government, and proved a bar to qualified men from serving the public in like situations. I observed in my letter of the 24 Ultimo "I think it right, that the extraordinary expences he has (Gen^l Macpherson) incurred for himself and family, guards or guests at Taverns should be admitted to the proper account, and add you will be pleased to admit them (the accounts) under the precautions usual in such cases." In offering this restriction I did not alude to the cases just recited, but merely to the accounts that might be produced, meaning that they should be supported by the customary or usual vouchers and receipts. It will I think be proper to deduct the amount of his rations and forage if charged, from the Generals account, his table and and forage being found. I am Sir Your Obedient Servant James McHenry [The Accountant of the War Department]