James Madison Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Madison/03-07-02-0052

Thomas Pinckney to John Armstrong, 24 November 1813

Thomas Pinckney to John Armstrong

Augusta 24th November 1813

Sir

Having observed that complaints were made against the Contractor for this State, I imparted to him the information contained in the Letter of the Department of the 7th of this Month, that, “there has been no deficiency of Funds in the hands of the Contractors since the Expedition was first authorised”1—and called upon him for an explanation in consequence whereof he wrote to me the Statement which I have now the honor of transmitting herewith.2 I have the honor to be respectfully Sir Yr Obedt Sert

Thomas Pinckney

RC and enclosure (DNA: RG 107, LRUS, P-1813). Marked in an unidentified hand: “Shown to the President.” For enclosure, see n. 2.

1Pinckney referred to Daniel Parker’s letter to him of 7 Nov. 1813 (DNA: RG 107, LSMA).

2Pinckney enclosed Georgia army contractor R. B. Carter’s letter to him of 24 Nov. 1813 (3 pp.), stating that Parker’s assertion that Carter had received ample funds “could not have taken into view the number of Men in service in this state.” Carter claimed to have issued approximately 270,000 rations worth $37,800 in October and November, in addition to $25,000 worth of provisions in September, but to have received only two $20,000 drafts from Washington. In order to liquidate one of these, drawn on Stephen Girard’s bank in Philadelphia, he had been forced to post it as security for a $19,000 loan to himself, since Georgia banks were reluctant to accept drafts from the north. To raise additional funds, he had negotiated locally for $25,000 in drafts on the War Department, which he had no assurance would be honored. Suppliers of provisions, he added, demanded cash on delivery.

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