To George Washington from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 13 April 1796
From Oliver Wolcott, Jr.
Treasury Departmt April 13th 1796.
The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully submits to the consideration of the President of the United States sundry documents relative to a proposal for making five chains for the use of the Beacons & Buoys in Charleston & Delaware bays.1
It is the opinion of the Secretary that it will be for the interest of the United States to contract for the chains upon the terms specified in the proposal.2 All which is respectfully Submitted.
Oliv: Wolcott Jr
Secy of the Treasy
LB, DLC:GW.
1. Letterbook copies of enclosed papers can be found in DNA: RG 26, Lighthouse Deeds and Contracts. They included Matthew Van Dusen’s letter dated 9 April to William Allibone, in which he agreed to furnish three chains for the Delaware River within six weeks for ten pence per pound; and Allibone’s letter dated 11 April to Tench Coxe, commissioner of the revenue, enclosing Van Dusen’s letter and adding in a postscript that he had “agreed with Mr Van Duzen for the two Chains for So. Carolina on the same terms.” Coxe transmitted the papers to Wolcott on 12 April.
2. GW approved the contract on this date (see 334, and Coxe to Wolcott, 12 April).