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SIR,
     I have paid to the officers and crew of the
United States ship Hornet as prize money
                                      $22,763 45
    My commisssions                     1,250   
    Expenses                               87 62
                                     ___________
                                      $24,101  7
    Your most ob't. servant,
     (Signed)            CHARLES BIDDLE,Jr.
To the honorable
       B. W. Crownsinshield,
             Secretary of the Navy.

DEAR SIR,
I received some time since a letter from the Secretary of the Navy, requesting information relative to the distribution of prize money. Before the money was paid to me, I was required to ex- hibit at the Department, the power of attorney from the officers and crew under which I claimed it, dated 29th November, 1813, a nota- rial copy of which is deposited in the Navy Office.

Under a general powe, I consider my receipt, as complete a discharge as a Secretary can wish, and precisely the same as a re- ceipt from each individual composing the crew. I was never regu- lated by, nor did I ever receive any instructions or authority from the Department, but claimed the money (as I should have done from an individual) by virtue of the power of attorney, and received it ac- cordingly.

Under these circumstances, I know not the object of the inquiry, but being unwilling to show a want of respect for the officers of government, I enclose you a statement which you can hand over to the Secretary of the Navy if you think proper.

The cause of any money being unpaid, arises in a great measure from conflicting powers of attorney, which I presume is no novelty at the Navy Office. The consequence has been attachments, which creates a responsibility on my part.