Letter Signed

Explanation of Actions in Hugh McAlister Affair, with Accusation of McAlister as Fraudulent Government Agent

Simmons explains his actions in and view of the Hugh McAlister case, quoting McHenry's inquiry to him and then his reply -- in brief, that McAlister turned in a deserter, applied for compensation for this service, and was rejected on the grounds that the man he turned in could not be proven a deserter. States further that McAlister was a notary public at Carlise (where the return of the prisoner occurred), and was one of a number of people committing fraud against the United States by "presenting false power of attorney;" he reportedly affixed his signature and the U.S. seal to fraudulent documents. Says that while there is little documentation of these facts, he [Simmons] knows them to be true.

1799

10

21

Accountants Office

Partly illegible due to copying

John Adams

William Simmons

citizen

deserter

Captain Miller

infantry

captain Callander Irvine

Hugh McAlister

McAllister

Lieutenant Francis Gibson

paymaster general

notary public

Accountants Office

Pennsylvania

Reading

Carlisle

complaint

reward

claim

barracks

certificate

muster rolls

advertised

fraud

false powers of attorney

1799102121101

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