[Letter from the Secretary at War 31^st July 1787 —] War Office, July 31^st 1787 Sir, I have received your favor of the 16th instant, with the returns of the stores you received of M^r Flagg, and an estimate of the expences attending the survey inclosed in the same. I feel myself much obliged to you for the thorough survey you have made, and the remarks transmitted — I am persuaded that you will bestow such an attention in future as to prevent all depredations. I now send you, by Cap^t Allen, the thirty four dollars for your time in examining the stores, and twenty seven dollars 7/8ths for the expences attending the same — You will forward me the vouching for the several sums disbursed, and also receipts for the thirty four dollars — these papers will come most safely by the post. The delicate manner in which you state the circumstance of your suffering yourself to be persuaded to deliver the public furniture to celebrate the 4 th of July, evinces your sense of the matters. No body can doubt your affection or mine; both to the Cincinnati, and to the glorious day on which Independence was declared; but, in fact, as public servants, without discretionary powers, we cannot part with the public property, on any occasion, without orders for that purpose. I am Sir, with great Esteem, Your most obed^t humble Ser^t [signature: H Knox] Colonel Jo^h Olney