Author's Letterbook Copy

Simmons Writing Humphreys About the Standing of His Accounts and the Misuse of his Position

Simmons did not receive additional accounts he was expecting from Humphreys, and so simply carried out an examination of the accounts in his possession, which was for rations supplied to the troops at Staunton, Virginia, from June 10th to December 31 1799, in the amount of $14428. $272 is added for attending to and providing medicine to Captain Gibson's Recruits in January and February of 1800. $2382.10 is deducted for "causes particularly stated in the enclosed Account of differences to which I refer you, as well as to the remarks on the suspended vouchers." This leaves the sum of $12318.00 which is to be put in Humphreys' credit against the sum of $13314.10, which leaves the sum of $996.10 that Humphreys is being left accountable for until the stated difficulties on the suspended vouchers are "obviated and returned to this Office for reexamination." Simmons goes on to mention that most of the purchases Humphreys has made are not backed up by any bills or receipts to confirm that the money was actually spent to those ends. Simmons feels that obtaining affidavits to the general truth of the accounts in the office, particularly the sums and lists of items purchased, is the closest thing to a remedy at this point. Apparently in Humphreys' last account that was settled in Simmons' office, the price of wood for fuel was only $1.50 per cord whereas in this current account the price is two and in some cases even three times the price per cord. Simmons feels that in personal statements made by Humphreys with officers for undrawn fuel and rations that he has assumed for himself a power which is not granted to him by his contract. The part of the money that has been improperly expended has been placed on Humphreys' credit, and the officers will be held responsible for improper requisitions. This is because the officers have already left the station, and holding Humphreys directly responsible would prevent him at this point from being properly reimbursed. Simmons requests that Humphreys direct his immediate attention to the accounts enclosed with this letter and toward providing the remaining accounts Simmons requires. The postscript informs Humphreys that Simmons is enclosing the general account and vouchers for supplies issued in 1800 as subcontractor under J. O'Hara, which amounts to $429.27. Humphreys may make a claim to those under whom he has acted and furnished the supplies.

1800

10

15

Staunton, Virginia

William Simmons

Alexander Humphreys

Alexander Humphreys

William Simmons

troops

subcontractor

Staunton, Virginia

accounts

vouchers

claim

supplies

1800101521355

277