[140.] Caleb Swan Esq^r P M G Accountants Office May 13^th 1800 Sir In reply to your letter dated the 12 Inst: enclosing the copy of one from Major Buel transmitted to Capt. Williamson Q.M.V. and of a memorandum by way of instruction respecting system of handsome expenditures I have to observe that the regulations pointed out appear to me to be such as if complied with, will tend much to facilitate the settlement of accounts of that nature, by preserving the fragment personal intercourse with officers at this office, and as all expenditures for the Regiment made by this means be paid through the Pay Master thereof, and appear in the statement of his accounts. The idea of Buel Hamilton relative to the vouchers necessary to be taken appears also to be correct. In relation to the money funds it is my opinion that they must in common with others be obtained through the usual channel, and Buel Hamilton promises in his letter for his disbursements by giving special Warrants &c. Sam^l S. Dexter --- Cap^t Alexander H. Ellery of the Adjutant General's Work? Accountants Office May 10^th 1800 Sir Your accounts & vouchers for money disbursed by you for Clerks' services rendered by sundry persons in the Department of the Adjutant General, have been handed me by the Sec^y of War — the examination of them I find that the greater part of your payments have been made to Officers of the Army, whose pay & allowances being fixed by law, I am of opinion cannot be increased but by the same authority, under this impression I