Autograph Letter Signed

Advances to Contractor's Agent

Advised that all advances must be repaid by contractors. Expects the troops to move on the Fort Washington once they have reached Fort Pitt.

1791

07

21

War Department

Cites Hodgdon to Knox, 07/14/1791

Samuel Hodgdon

Henry Knox

contractors agents

contractors

Mr. Mitchell

Secretary of the Treasury

troops

General

Major General Butler

Captain Phelan

Major Craig

Isaac Craig

War Department

Fort Pitt

Fort Washington

Head Quarters

frontier

Treasury

advances

payments

provisions

money

public service

public interest

post

defense

protection

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3

Letter from Genl Knox--dated 21 July 1791.
Recd 28th July 1791
War Department,21st July 1791
Sir/
I have received yours of the 14th instant--The advances you have made to the Contractors Agents, must be repaid to you again. all payments are made for provisions at the Treasury. One Mr. Mitchell passed through here time enough to have been at Fort Pitt, when you made your last, with money for the Contractor's Agent.
The point is simply this--the Contractor has entered into engagements with the Secretary of the Treasury to furnish provisions to the troops on the frontiers. If he executes it well he will be paid the sums stipulated, if he does not he will be subjected to the consequences of the the penalty.
But
But the public service must not be delayed or injured by the Contractor's deficiencies. But any interference must be by the express orders of the General, to whose charge the public interests is committed.
I shall hope next post to learn, that all the troops, arrived at Fort Pitt, have descended to Fort Washington.
I have written to Major General Butler, that it will be necessary for him, and you also to repair to Head Quarters, as soon as the public interests will admit.
You will make arrangements before you leave Fort Pitt, for the transportation of Captain Phelan's detachment, which may consist of about Two hundred and fifty. He will leave Carlisle to morrow. In adition to his detachment, there may be transportation to be provided for about three hundred more troops. Major Craig will I presume be empowered by you on the subject.
I/
I am Sir,Your most obedienthuml servtHKnox
Samuel Hodgdon Esqr.