Circumventing Quartermaster General to Pay for Necessary Work
Document 1801Refers to an enclosed set of instructions which details works to be performed for the public service. Hodgdon appears to be saying that normal procedure would dictate submitting the proposed work to the Quartermaster General's agent for payment, but that he knows this would result in delay or denial of the proposal. Further, he says that appropriations for such things are only made in "contingencies;" therefore he orders Whelen to have the work done and charge it, since once the work is done the government is bound to pay for it. He gives Whelen instructions on where to find him so they can meet as necessary.
Israel Whelen Esqr
Purveyor
Jan 2nd 1801
Samuel Hodgdon
requesting me to pay a bill for mending tents &c.
Intendant of Stores Office
Philadelphia 2nd Jan. 1801
Sir
Enclosed is an account for work performed by my order and under my immediate direction. Agreeably to former usuage it ought to be referred to the Quarter Masters Agent for payment, but as under present circumstances I am aware it would meet delay, if not denial, if it were so referred and knowing that no appropriation is or can be made to meet such dues, but that of contingencies, I have thought it best to request you to discharge it, and charge it accordingly. When services are satisfactorily performed for the Public, justice and policy dictate payment without cavil or delay.
I have removed my office to the house belonging to the Estate of the late Francis Hopkinson in Race Street, where I shall be happy to see you, as occasion may require.
I am Sir,
Your most obt Servant
Samuel Hodgdon
Israel Whelen Esqr
Purveyor
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