[15] The Secretary at War Purveyors Department Phil^a. May 17, 1800 Sir Seeing in the public prints that Israel Whelen Esquire is appointed Purveyor of Public Supplies I thought it my duty to inform that Gentleman of my provisional appointment and of my readiness to deliver the Business of the Office over to him immediately. M^r. Whelen informed me verbally that he had not yet received his commission and requested the matter might lie over till next week. Permit me Sir to ask your instruction as to the manner in which my compensation for the time I have been in Office and for the Business I have done is to be regulated so that the charge I may make for this object may meet with approbation. I have the honor to be with great respect Sir your obedient Servant Jonathan Williams Provisional Purveyor