Mentioned changes to tasks and processes in the Quartermasters Department and to the present arrangement of the army. Discussed method to transfer power of attorney.
Certification of payment; $29.41 to Rebecca Tobias, pay as matron to hospital at Kempsville, Virginia, to be paid to Lieutenant Ferdinand Claiborne, 1st Regiment of Infantry, attorney to Barney Keith, present husband.
Simmons forwarded copies of letter from Secretary of War regarding allowances made or admitted to certain individuals. Simmons requested information on each particular case to maintain books and for proper compensation.
Upon cursory examination of the account submitted by Creary for the Fortifications in New Port, RI Simmons noted they were missing vouchers No. 4,6, 35, 40, and 1, 6, 13, 16 which were for mounting gun carriages.
P.S. Secretary of War issued warrant for $4,000 to be transmitted to Creary by the Treasurer of the United States.
Simmons could not act on the account submitted by Captain Prior because it lacked the proper vouchers and the authority on which the charges were made.
Simmons found excessive compensation in Quarter Master Dept in addition to other "evils" previously mentioned. Monies advanced never had grounds and individuals have surplusages of public monies. Simmons notified the Secretary of War of the allocations of money by the agent of the QMD.
In order to make a determination regarding the compensation of officers and agents employed in the Quartermaster's department, McHenry will need the Report of the Quartermaster General on each particular case with his reasons for the compensation or allowance authorized.
Addressed topic of previous letter from St. Clair regarding trade with Indians. McHenry believed it proper to limit people licensed to trade with Indians to certain towns agreeable to the choice of the most influential chief. Also advised the trader could not follow Indians to hunting grounds.
Supporting documents on the approved scale for annual transportation costs of private stores belonging to officers at remote posts. Addressed extending compensation.
Routine correspondence concerning the appointment, transfer, promotion, discharge, desertion, leave, and assignment of individual officers and soldiers.
Col. Peck has applied to Col. Rice for a guard to take charge of some French prisoners at Providence but Rice doubts his authority to comply with the request.
