[of T.S.R. Datcho from [undecipherable] - 12 July 1794] Fort Fidius on the river Oconee July 12^th 1794 Sir I have the honor of enclosing to you, a duplicate of my letter of the 23^rd ulto— I would be extremely glad if you would have the goodness to give me some information relative to the expenses which unavoidably arise by the frequent visits I am obliged to make, as they [undecipherable] to the different garrisons on this frontier.— The distance between the posts are very great, and the roads being mostly through a [undecipherable] country prevents my obtaining the vouchers I would wish for my expenditures — travelling in this country is not only extremely disagreeable and boistsome, but also very expensive.— Last Spring after my return from Fort Telfair, I was detained in Savannah from the 7^th to the 31^st March for want of an opportunity to St. Marys; during which time my horses were standing at 50 cents per day, each — It is not at very place where I stop, that I can obtain receipts— the inhabitants of the frontier generally being extremely illiterate.— You will very much oblige me by informing me, in what manner it will be necessary to substantiate these charges— so that I may be allowed them in making a settlement with the Public— The pay of a Subaltern Officer is just sufficient to support him in this country, it is therefore therefore impossible for him to remain long, without a settlement of his accounts— that the expenses he may have been at, on account of the United States, may be refunded— it is more particularly my situation, as I have a family— Such expenditures as I have not had in my power to obtain receipts for— I will produce on oath, or otherwise as you may be pleased to direct— I have the honor to be, Sir, Your very humble Serv^t [undecipherable] Datcho Lieu^t U. S. Artillery Joseph Howell Eq^re Accountant to the Department of War Philadelphia