[234] M^r Joseph Williams Accountants Office Springfield M^a August 22. 1800 Sir I have just recieved a letter from M^r Davis about the department, which leaves on me to enquire whether the Armourers at your Post have been on the practice of drawing Rations for every day in the month or only in proportion to the services actually performed by them according to the Pay Rolls — You will therefore be pleased to investigate this Subject & inform me of the result. If the former practise prevails it appears to me to be an evil which requires an immediate remedy, as in many instances the term of service performed bears no comparison to that of a Soldier even Sam H. W. P.S. You will receive enclosed copy of an Act for the Fortification of Public arsenals & magazines passed on the 7^th may 1800. for the government of yourself & Armourers &c — Caleb Swan Esq^r August 22. 1800 P. M. G. Sir Your accounts being taken up for examination I have to request a copy of the Testimonial or authority under which the allowance of 4/6^ths of a dollar & 1 Ration [p] day was made by you to the director of director & musicians [undecipherable] for Warrants N^o 77 78 79 & 80 dated 11 July 1799 — Sam H W.S.