Claim of Scarborough Gridley

Item

Type

Letterbook

Title

Claim of Scarborough Gridley

Description

The Commissioner of Army Accounts reports on his examination on the claim of Scarborough Gridley for pay as an assistant engineer on works near Boston.

year created

1786

month created

12

day created

19

author

sent from location

Office of Army Accounts, New York

recipient

in image

author note

John Pierce

recipient note

Doctor William Eustis

notable person/group

Doctor William Eustis
John Pierce
Scarborough Gridley
father
assistant engineer
Congress

notable location

Office of Army Accounts, New York
Boston
Rhode Island

document number

1786121921255

page start

206

transcription

Office of Army Accounts

New York

December 19th, 1926

Sir

Having examined Mr Scarborough Gridley's claim upon the United States for pay as Assistant Engineer I find that his Father certifies that he appointed him as his assistant in constructing the works near Boston, that the commander in chief approved of his receiving a proper compensation for these services which was made him in February 1777 ______ That he was most probably out of imploy after this as the works were so nearly completed and as the commanding officer of the department
did not pay (undecipherable)until in 1778 when his Father certifies that he went a volunteer to Rhodes Island and he drew pay from Apil 1778 to August 1779 how far a volunreer is entitled to pay it is unnecessary to determine as he has received it but on his return to Boston - he was either not employed by the public or the Continental Generals thought themselves not justified in paying him or it was considered that he was to be paid by the state on whose service he evidently went to Talmouth for we find that he drew no more pay from the United States as his original appointment was contrary to the established method of (undecipherable) officers out the letter produced from the Commander in Chief only directs a payment of his part services without confirming his appointment as the Continental Generals have only paid him when actually employed and as congress have never recognised him in any arrangement or entry in the public offices of the Engineer Officers. I am of opinion that he cannot be considered as a regular officer of the United States or received any further compensation than what - has been given to him already unless the applies to and obtains the approbation of Congress for it.

I am Yc P Pierce

Doct Wm Eustis

Item sets

Document instances

In image In source Location in source
[view document] (2 pages) DEL01 (361 pages) Collection: Numbered Record Books, 1775-1798. (RG93) (M853) V:134; P:206

Document names

Type Name Location Notes
Author John Pierce Office of Army Accounts, New York [n/a]
Recipient William Eustis [unknown] [n/a]