News

Nominated Document Spotlight-Oversight, or Overcharge?

Are you a new transcriber who wants to see begin your transcription with a short, easy-to-read document? Are you a seasoned transcriber discouraged by very challenging historic handwriting? This week we ask for your help with another document that has not yet been transcribed. Written by James McHenry to William Simmons, this two-page document alleges that a William Colfax (who makes a living selling rations to the military) has been selling goods at a higher rate than is allowed by his contract. McHenry asks that Colfax be formally notified about the discrepancy and given a chance to correct it.

Please help us get this document transcribed and into the historical record.

You may read and transcribe the original document here.

Next week we’ll feature a statistical update from PWD/Scripto.

This is one of many–there are many more documents awaiting transcription. Take a moment to register (http://wardepartmentpapers.org/scripto/register.php) and choose a document to begin your adventure. You will be doing important work by adding to the historical record, and you never know what you will read!