Certification that $310.04 is due Capt. Staats Morris, Lt. Samuel T. Dyson, and the non-commissioned officers and privates under the command of Capt. Morris, being his and their pay for November 1797.
Simmons wishes to address charges that he has committed "reprehensible conduct." Charge appears to have arisen from Simmons refusing to sign a warrant to a clerk from another department. Simmons explains his reasons, mainly that he did not feel authorized by to sign this warrant without the prior signature of the Secretary of War. Says he eventually relented and signed the warrant anyway (which was meant to provide pay for troops), feeling that the Secretary of War would be responsible for any complications. Mentions censure by the Secretary of War, who believes the War Department accountant to be a passive agent with no capacity for such judgment; Simmons states he believes he was acting within the duties assigned to him by law. Levels countercharges of impropriety on the part of the Secretary of War in bypassing the Accountant's Office. Simmons encloses to the President relevant documents, including an extract from a letter written by the Attorney General, Charles Lee on 30 May 1796. Simmons also encloses a copy of Captain Henry Debutts account as secretary to the commissioner for treating with the Indians Northwest of the Ohio. DeButts account has multiple endorsements. [All of these enclosures included].
Regarding Navy and Marine Pay, Simmons is advised that the payroll he received, signed by Captain Barry and Lieutenant McRea of the Marines, is sufficient; the pay has been fixed on, and no other information is required.
McHenry informs Simmons that he is awaiting the regulations regarding the pay of Marines, Seamen, Petty Officers, and Midshipmen which will be forwarded so that Simmons can discharge his duties.
McHenry discusses Indian land and the need for treaty talks with sundry tribes; He adds that husbandry utensils for the Indians will be included in the annuity for the coming year.
Preston is hesitant to resign from the service while large amounts are still charged against him. He has been unable to obtain from Kentucky the papers necessary to close his account . He is concerned because drummer Joseph Southwell has not received his pay.
McDermott explains that his ill health has prevented him from maintaining his account in the proper manner but, as as his health permits, he will settle his account.
Enclosed are three receipt rolls for money paid to Sergeant Philip Williams and the men under his command at Fort Johnston. There are also receipts from the recruiting service for bounties paid and premiums allowed and another receipt for Williams' service as administrator of the estates of three deceased soldiers..
Having been contacted by Captain Greaton's creditors, Heath has advanced at least one hundred dollars on his account and anxiously awaits a response from the Paymaster General on Greaton's relinquishment.
