Autograph Letter Signed

Instructions for Dealing with Contractors

Uncertainty in receiving flour from late contractor M. Ernest, Craig awaiting instructions on verity of contract.

1796

08

05

Pittsburgh

James McHenry

Isaac Craig

Matthew Ernest

contractor

Secretary of Treasury

Oliver Wolcott Junior

Tench Francis

Tenche Francis

General Anthony Wayne

Scott

Pittsburgh

Presque Isle

Presque'isle

Le Boeuf

post

territory

frontier

provisions

supplies

flour

contract

sloop

Sloop Detroit

contract

instructions

1796080540101

1

155
Pittsburg 5th August 1796
Sir
In my absence whilst at Presqu'isle & Le Boeuf your Letter of the 16th Ultimo was recd. and its contents communicated to Mattw. Ernest one of the late Contractors in consequence of which Mr. Ernest has made the enclosed Statement to which he has made oath and has again called upon me to receive the Flour but as I have not had any information either from you or the Secretary of the Treasury of the Contract or rather instructions that Mr. Ernest mentions to have received from Tenche Francis I still am desirous of declining receiving the Flour until I have further instruction from you respecting it & particularly as I have reason to believe that Gen. Wayne in his requisition made to the present Contractor for provision for the several Posts did not know of nor contemplate any flour being then in the hands of the old Contractors. Is it not therefore probable that the present Contractor will insist upon the whole quantity required by the Commander in Chief being received & which I presume will be equal to a full supply of the Army? What is therefore to be done with the flour now offered by Messrs Scott & Ernest? be pleased to inform me by the return of the post if possible as Mr. Ernest is very importunate to have it off ihs hands. The packet enclosed directed to you I received at Presqu'isle on the 25th. Ultimo by the arrival of the United States Sloop Detroit at that post.
I am, Sir,
Your Obt Servt.
I.C.
Hon. James Mc.Henry
Secy of War