What does "
commissionary department" mean?Background into:
Although Washington repeatedly petitioned for relief and supplies, the
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continental_Congress was unable to provide it and the soldiers continued to suffer. Finally, on January 24, 1778, five Congressmen came to Valley Forge to examine the conditions of the Continental Army. Washington greeted them imperatively, "Something must be done. Important alterations must be made." Washington also informed them that he wanted Congress to take control of the army supply system, pay for the supplies, and replenish them when necessities were scarce.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valley_Forge#cite_note-:13-11By the end of February, there were adequate supplies flowing throughout camp after Congress gave full support to monetarily funding the supply lines of the army, along with reorganizing
the commissionary department, which controlled the gathering of the supplies for the army.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valley_Forge#cite_note-:13-11