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Sir:

On application of the Comptroller, I laid a representation of his, respecting the state, and arrangement of his office, and the propriety of his removing the same office to New Bern, in order to settle the accounts of this State with the United States. With you before the Council, it appeared to them, that it will be necessary on such settlement for you to have recourse to very many Books, Papers and Vouchers, which are lodged in the Comptroller's office

here, properly arranged and in files, which by a removal will be greatly deranged, and make it very inconvenient and troublesome to the Comptroller at another place. Added to this, that where he is his office must be, as little business can be done when he is not present, and none authenticated without his signature. That the Salaries allowed his Clerks are moderate, and on account of the cheapness of their living here, they have been engaged. And on the removal of the Office to New Bern they cannot be prevailed on to continue, whereby he would be deprived of the assistance of those who from years experience can best serve the public. And it is doubtful if he will be able to get others at New Bern for what he is allowed by Law for Clerks. The Comptroller's Family is here, and of course, it will be much more agreeable and convenient for him to continue his business at this place. For these reasons the Council have advised me to recommend it to you to attend at this place to do business and I am satisfied these accounts will be settled with much more facility here, than they possibly can elsewhere as the office now is. A single paper amongst a very great number can be taken out at once, but when they come to be deranged it will require much time to put them again in order. Besides very large sums are lodged here in Certificates and Continental Money, the removal of which will be attended with so much risk, and the security elsewhere may not be so well guarded.

I cannot pretend to recommend this place for its accommodations or the politeness of the company usually here, but I will venture to say, the air is pure and healthy, the water good and the provisions wholesome. And that for a man who is to set down to Business it is far preferable to the place where your office now is, and not so far distant from New Bern, but some of the luxuries of that Town may be easily had here.

Capt. Childs says you intimated the necessity of your being near the post office on account of receiving from or sending dispatches to the Board of the Treasury. This I hope will not prevent your coming here, as an Express can be regularly sent to the post office weekly, which I will engage shall be done without any expence to you, or the States.

The settlement of this business is a very desirable object with every thinking man in the State. And I most earnestly recommend to you to take a ride up. I am convinced if you were to see the

place, and the state of the Office, that you would be induced to attend at this place.

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