ready lo give any explanation required. l have directed Mr. R. not lo leave Harrisburg until this business is done. You know that I am somewhat methodical in my business and the old adage of "short settlements make long friends," is too just a one to be neglected by me al least. The Government is gelling in my debt and, notwithstanding my disposition to give every aid within my power to sustain the cause, I do not wish lo go loo far, before I see lhal I am lo have no difficulty in the liquidation of my first accts. So far, from necessity, I know well things have been managed loosely. First the officer orders and then another and then another;-one saying furnish me this and charge to Government and another the same and so on. Therefore fearing in some charge of Government, that may take place hereafter, from some motive there may be a disposition to investigate and strictly scrutinize item by item in every acct; and when it may be too late for me to bring forward the required testimony, I am determined to close as I go. I have witnessed of late some things that satisfies me there will be room left for a kick up at a future day; and I am determined to keep clear of the scrape. Knowing the situation of the Cabinet at Harrisburg, I willingly yes, with pleasure furnish from my own private and scanty stores, what few necessaries and luxuries I had,- supposing I might be unable to replenish them before I might want again. I had but [illegible] in the world and sent one of them,- and in some cases sent all of an article, I was willing to do without, to try and make comfortable those whom I was so much pleased to see in charge of the affairs of the Republic. But in return, to be requited as I was, a few days since, by an objection being made, by one of the Cabinet, (Col. P.) to my having some articles on hand the Steam Boat purchased by Col Triplett for the Government,- and to which I was, as an officer, as much entitled and has as much right to take for my official use, as he had, does nol sit well with me. Suddenly my family increased beyond my expectations; and I found I had been too liberal in the disposition of my private stores. Yet, when in abundance, in the hands of those whom I had been so liheral towards, to have objections made to a return of only a part of what I was entitled to, is strange indeed! I will look well to No. 1 in future. Col. P. may have a large family likewise hardly as large as mine though. However, thank Heaven, Mr. K. & Williams provisions came in good time, and I shanl starve. As one of the people, however, I do hope to see all that is gone and going lo Harrisburg properly and satisfactorily
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