I can with great truth inform you that Mr Bond has very faithfully for a course of years devoted his whole time and attention to the business of the Office. His duties are not particularly pointed out so that I cannot say what May be deemed extraordinary service But sure I am that it cannot be for the honor of the United states that a person in so responsible an Office, & an Office of so great trust should for so long a series of years as Mr Bond has been employed, & who has used the strictest frugality & oeconomy should go out of it poorer than when he entered. Our country is not now in such a situation as to require Such sacrifices, I hope therefore you will find it consistent with your judgment & the duty You owe to your country to make Mr Bond some adequate compensation which will enable him to leave the office with honor and satisfaction.(2)
I have the honor to be with great respect, Gentlemen, Your most obedt & Most humble Servt Chas Thomson
RC (DNA: PCC, item 78).
1 This committee, which consisted of Richard Beresford, John Francis Mercer, and Hugh Williamson, had under consideration an appeal for supplementary compensation from George Bond, the deputy secretary of Congress and an employee in the office of the secretary since 1778. See JCC, 25:705; and PCC, item 78, 4:413-18.
2 For Congress' adoption on October 30 of the committee's recommendation that Bond receive $500 "on account of his extra services" as deputy secretary, see JCC, 25:761-62. For Bond's resignation and its acceptance the following day, see ibid., p. 771. See also Thomson to Hannah Thomson, July 30, note 3, and to Bond, November 10, 1783.