S[amuel] L[ewis] S[outhard] to MVB, 21 January 1824
Navy Dep'mt.
21. Jan'y. 1824.
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 15th. inst. I have the honor to enclose copy of a letter from the Commissioners of the navy.
The payments of the allowances, &c. having been made by the Treasury, I am not able to answer your enquiry as to the nature of the receipts given therefor by the owners, to the Government.
Should any further information be desired, it will be furnished with pleasure, and the papers relating to the subject, can be examined at any time
I am, respectfully, &.c.
S. L. S.