DEPARTMENT OF WAR

DEPARTMENT OF WAR, government. The act of August 7, 1789, 1 Story's Laws, 
31, creates an executive department, to be denominated the department of 
war; and there shall be a principal officer therein, to be called the 
secretary for the department of war. (q.v.). 
     2. There shall be in the said department, an inferior officer, to be 
appointed by the secretary, to be employed therein, and to be called the 
chief clerk in the department of war, and who, whenever the said principal 
officer shall be removed by the president, or in any other case of vacancy, 
shall, during such vacancy, have the charge and custody of all records, 
books, and papers, appertaining to the said department. Id.