Letter

Unable to Comply With Orders of October 21

Williams misunderstood McHenry's orders of October 21. He is reluctant to comply with those orders, as it would prove both expensive and embarrassing. He cannot afford to travel to Philadelphia himself to receive funds, but if McHenry authorizes him to draw monies at the office in New York he should be able to complete the business.

1799

11

15

Springfield

James McHenry

Joseph Williams

Springfield

Philadelphia

New York

Boston

Office of Discount

orders

mistake

monies

armory

commissions

wages

draughts

drafts

1799111520055

Springfield Novr 15th 1799
Sir
I find by your letter of the 8th instant that I misapprehended your orders of the 21st ultimo. I am sorry that my mistake has occasioned you any trouble or produced any delay in transmitting monies for the use of the Armory, but a compliance with your orders will be embarrassing and expensive to me, for I have no acquaintance at the Seat of Government, and if I had, the Agency would be burdensome to him & Commissions equivalent to his trouble & responsibility, would exceed my wages - neither can I rely upon Draughts in favor of persons who may occasionally be going to Philadelphia,the distance being so great, opportunities would but seldom occur, & the traders in this place confine their business purchasing to New York & Boston - but I think I can transact the business with ease and facility, if you will give directions that my Draughts shall be answered at the Office of Discount at New York - I shall wait impatiently until I know your Pleasure.
I am Sir most respectfully Your obedient servant, Jos. Williams
Honble James McHenry Esqr.
Springfield Novr 25 1799
Sir,
Enclosed are the Contracts with Mr James Byers Jur for the supply of rations to the Armours - executed agreeable to your directions, the Bondsmen introduced are ample Securities for this or any Sum of an ordinary magnitude.
With the utmost respect
I am Sir your obedient Servant Jas. Williams
The Honble James McHenry Esqr.