Reduction of Rate for Rations
Item
Type
Autograph Letter Signed
Title
Reduction of Rate for Rations
Description
Despite the reduction of the rates authorized by Congress for the purchase of rations, Mr. William Colfax, the contractor for supplying the troops at Fort Jay and West Point, has continued to charge according to the former rates. Although it is probable that Colfax was unaware of the reduction, he should be notified immediately and no action taken against him that might embarass the service.
year created
1799
month created
05
day created
25
author
sent from location
War Department
recipient
sent to location
War Department
in collection
notable person/group
William Simmons
James McHenry
William Colfax
contractor
notable location
War Department
Fort Jay
West Point
notable item/thing
rations
legal rate
reduction
notice
component parts
publication
newspapers
document number
1799052500001
page start
1
number of pages
2
transcription
War Department 25 May
James McHenry
Recd
And
directing a settlement of Wm Colfar's Account as Contractor on the former Rations if actually furnished by him to the time you know he had notice of the deduction
War Department 25th May, 1799
Sir
I overlooked or should have replied to your letter of the 16th instant sooner.
You advice that Mr William Colfax the Contractor for supplying the troops statements at Fort Jay and West Point, has continued to supply rations, at the former legal rate, not knowing before that the component parts of the rations to be issued to the troops, had suffered a reduction by the law of the 3rd March last.
Altho it is probable this Contractor, had notice of the reduction, and of the component parts with the alternatives of the ration as now fixed, as well by the publication of the act of the 3rd March last in the News Papers, as by a communication of the same to him, as published by this Department, by one of the Commandant of Posts, to whom it was sent - yet as it may be difficult to prove this satisfactorily, and the attempt, if even successful, might occasion embarrassment to the service, and besides, the periods for which he has so furnished is short, and the difference between the rating extremely minute. It is my opinion it will be best to settle with him on the former ration, if actually furnished by him, to the time you know he had notice of the reduction.
Perhaps also, it will be proper, to prevent possible advantages being taken by other Contractors of the public, that you should notify them all without delay, of the ration fixed by the act of the 3rd of March last.
I am Sir,
with respect,
your obedient servant
James W Henry
The Accountant of the War Department
James McHenry
Recd
And
directing a settlement of Wm Colfar's Account as Contractor on the former Rations if actually furnished by him to the time you know he had notice of the deduction
War Department 25th May, 1799
Sir
I overlooked or should have replied to your letter of the 16th instant sooner.
You advice that Mr William Colfax the Contractor for supplying the troops statements at Fort Jay and West Point, has continued to supply rations, at the former legal rate, not knowing before that the component parts of the rations to be issued to the troops, had suffered a reduction by the law of the 3rd March last.
Altho it is probable this Contractor, had notice of the reduction, and of the component parts with the alternatives of the ration as now fixed, as well by the publication of the act of the 3rd March last in the News Papers, as by a communication of the same to him, as published by this Department, by one of the Commandant of Posts, to whom it was sent - yet as it may be difficult to prove this satisfactorily, and the attempt, if even successful, might occasion embarrassment to the service, and besides, the periods for which he has so furnished is short, and the difference between the rating extremely minute. It is my opinion it will be best to settle with him on the former ration, if actually furnished by him, to the time you know he had notice of the reduction.
Perhaps also, it will be proper, to prevent possible advantages being taken by other Contractors of the public, that you should notify them all without delay, of the ration fixed by the act of the 3rd of March last.
I am Sir,
with respect,
your obedient servant
James W Henry
The Accountant of the War Department
Item sets
Document instances
| In image | In source | Location in source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| [view document] (3 pages) | ZJV17 (3 pages) | Collection: Post Revolutionary War Papers, 1784-1815. (RG94) | B:6/9 |
| [view document] (2 pages) | ZJV17a (2 pages) | Collection: Post Revolutionary War Papers, 1784-1815. (RG94) | B:6/9 |
Document names
| Type | Name | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | James McHenry | War Department | [n/a] |
| Recipient | William Simmons | War Department | [n/a] |