[from Dearb: the Lieut: [undecipherable: light?]] Portland November 4^th 1794 Sir, Inclosed is an account of my Disbursements in recruiting from the time I commenced the service till the above Date: together with vouchers for the payment of bounty to each individual. Inclosed also is a Muster-roll of the recruits under my command taken on the 3^d Instant; by comparing which with the account, you will perceive that all the recruits included in the latter have been [underline: duly mustered]. In consequence of which I conclude you will admit to my credit the premium by law allowed, for such number of recruits as appears on the recruiting act. — a provision in recruits to be intitled to rations, as well as pay, from the Dates of their respective inlistments. But, as no contractor has hitherto been appointed for this place, I have been much embarrased to get the men subsisted. some of them have been obligd to pay one & a half, & some two Dollars p. week for board. Whether it be consistent with propriety that they should draw their back rations, that is, the value of them with their pay, I know not. If it be, I have to request that the pay-roll, which will be made pursuant to the inclosed muster-roll, may be made conformably, & that the value of the S^d rations, at the Philadelphia contract, may be included. Agreeably to this request I take the liberty to inclose a return Stating particularly the number of rations which has accrued to each recruit, from his Inlistment till the Date of the muster-roll. I understand that a contractor will now be soon appointed: so that I anticipate being relieved from my embarrosment on this account. I am, with great respect, Sir Your very obed^t servant. [undecipherable: D.H.fle] [signed] Joseph Howell Esq.