Author's Letterbook Copy

Simmons Writing Morrison About the Financial Malfeasance of Colonel John Edwards

Simmons remarks that no previous opportunity had arisen for the money Morrison had received from John Edwards to get passed on, and at present Simmons is requesting that Morrison now pay this amount to Captain Samuel Vance and take his triplicate receipts. Two of these receipts should be forwarded separately to Simmons' office for assessment. The balance due by Colonel Edwards, suggested in a December 27, 1799 letter to Morrison, has not been paid yet, and no reply to that letter has been made. The credit Edwards claims for the money paid as said by his clerk but for which Edwards lacks vouchers cannot under any circumstances be admitted to Morrison's credit and Simmons wishes for a statement by Morrison regarding the likelihood of Edwards' paying the balance due as stated by Simmons and that Simmons may report Edwards' case to the Comptroller of the Treasury for the purpose of filing a suit. Simmons feels that the money has been sitting for far too long in Edwards' hands without being properly applied and that allowing this behavior to be prolonged would be a breach of Simmons' duty as a public officer. To this end, Simmons will write to Colonel Edwards and asks that Morrison forward the letter to Edwards with a request to pay the balance in order to avoid legal troubles.

1800

10

21

Accountant's Office

Lexington, Kentucky

William Simmons

James Morrison

James Morrison

William Simmons

Colonel John Edwards

Captain Samuel Vance

public officer

clerk

Lexington, Kentucky

Accountant's Office

balance

legal troubles

breach

receipts

1800102121255

282