Peirce, John (fl. 1784-1787) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03213 Author/Creator: Peirce, John (fl. 1784-1787) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Manuscript letter signed Date: 2 November 1785 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 33.2 x 20.3 cm. Order a Copy
Writes, "I do myself the honor to enclose you copies of a conveyance respecting Colonel [likely Robert] Troup's commutations, by which it will appear that I made two difficulties in granting it- The first (and only one now remaining) that his military Commission was superceeded on his acceptance of his appointment as Secretary to the Board of Treasury- My opinion was founded on this principle that it is incompatable with the rules of Congress for one person to enjoy the emoluments of two appointments, unless there is an express provision made for it, and that the acceptance of a latter appointment was of course a relinquishment of a former. The question to be ascertained is therefore whether such a provision was made or not, and if [not] where the Records are to be found. Captain Jackson having granted a Certificate on the subject, leads us to suppose that this evidence is in the War Office, and has induced me to request, that you will be pleased, if possible to ascertain whether Mr. Troup's appointment of Lieut. Colo. was continued to him on his acceptance of the Office of Secretary to the Treasury."
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