William Simmons discusses pay, finance and accounting with Secretary at War: Page #2

William Simmons discusses pay, finance and accounting with Secretary at War: Page #2

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199 suggest that could the regiment and species of troops be annexed to each named in the Virginia list. That an additional clerk should be allowed by law, to attend both examinations as all those now in my office are engaged on the examination of accounts, from which it would be injurious to remove them, without having a substitute. Under these impressions I beg leave to return the list of names in question. In the meantime such of the records of masters in this office, that can be of service in any further information, shall be open two inspection, and when needed, my assistance will be added with pleasure. I am &c. W Simmons Acct. ________________________ Accountants Office February 13th. 1798. The Secy. of War Sir I have received your letter of this date respecting the quantum of compensation to be allowed to Colonel Heath, as agent for paying the Virginia militia called out to suppress the insurrection at the westward in the year 1794, wherein you request me to state first, in what respects, the performance of his duties has differed from the other agents employed in the same service. Second, whether it appears that the mode in which he has done the business, has been attended with a greater saving to the public, then the mode in which it has been executed by the other agents. In reply thereto I can observe that Col. Heth has not confined his payments of the additional pay to the period allowed on former payrolls, which is said to be a General order, but has paid them only for the period of service actually performed by them which he obtained by references to Muster Rolls and other documents, which must have been attended with considerable labor and attention to the public interest, and he has produced the receipts of the Individuals in a satisfactory manner. There are only two other agents who have rendered their accounts to this office neither of which have undergone such an