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168

Bureau RF. + AL.
H"d Qr"s Asst Com"r D.C.
Washington Jan 29" 1868.

[[left margin]]
End"t Jackson Com of
Mrs S. Griffing
Agent

EB Vol 160. 1402. 1868
EBO Vol 201.186.

M 1573+1574. 68
[[/left margin]]

Respectfully returned to Mrs J.S. Griffing. Agent [[?]] with the following remarks. The items have been classified for [[?]] sake and may be thus enumerated: 
1st RR Fare and expressage on Baggaes. $19.78.
Remarks. This amount cannot be afforded for the following reason
transportation has always been obtainable when asked for and reimbursements for money thus paid out are only made upon the presentation of some good and sufficient reason why the transportation was not obtained, with vouchers properly certified and receipted. Expressage on baggage in excess of 80. lbs allowed is an expense not contemplated in the transportation of utterly destitute freedpeople and no provision has even been made for it.
2"d Bread + meals furnished $16.03
Not allowed. Provision was made for necessary food by the issue of three (3) days rations to parties transported. The laws + regulations, governing the disbursement of  public money do not allow of the payment of such an account from the Bureau appropriation. 
3"d Expenses of Agents in charge of freedpeople going North $16.68.
Not allowed. Upon this account no fund decision can be rendered unless presented in detail giving full information also nature of expense. The money must then be paid to the parties making the journies upon vouchers artified and receipted by the same.
4th Omnibus fare for freedpeople 1.00
Street Car " " " 5.66
Not allowed. Destitute freedpeople are expected to walk from depot to depot. Such an account as this would not be allowed either to an Army Officer or to a Bureau

169

Agent while travelling
5th Stationary & Postage $14.35.
6 Stationery $13.70

Account for Stationary not allowed. Stationary is furnished  Agents on requisition. All purchases are made by the Disbursing Officer. Mrs Griffing's requisitions have been honored and are on file.
A reasonable account for Postage will be allowed if present separated, and on the usual form properly certified.
7th Telegraphing $24.28.
Not allowed. By the regulations of the War Dept copies of all telegrams must accompany the account and by regulations of the Bureau should receive the approval of the Ass't Com"r before being sent.
8th Scavengers work $4.00
Not allowed, A Scavenger for Public offices and Bureau buildings has always been employed by the month and should have been applied for.
9th Street car fare for Messenger $40.88.
Not allowed. The same regulations apply to this as to other transportation. Messengers + Agents however are expected to pay these little items of expense if they choose to ride.
10th Splitting wood 50c
Not allowed. Suitable fuel is purchased and prepared for public offices by the Disbursing officer upon order of the Ass't Com"
11th Towels + Soap $1.25
Not allowed. No such allowance is made for any office of the War Dept"
12th Twine, Pins $1.80
Lock 50.
Not allowed. These articles might at any time have been procured by requisition through this Office; no authority has even been given to purchase.
In general it ought to have been well understood by