of your duties as Pay Master— which differ materially with his — I am sorry that a difference of Opinion should exist— However to prevent confusion in the Office I am determined to pursue the same rules and regulations as has been the Custom heretofore — with the Regimental & Pay Masters of the Army — The Pay Master there is chosen by the Officers of the Regiment in behalf of themselves Soldiers and approved of by the Commander in chief who announces the same in general Orders — The Pay Master then recieves the Pay, subsistance, and forage of the Regiment on well authenticated Muster or Pay Rolls, and he is furnished with Instructions how to apply the same, he receipts to be accountable to the Accountant of the War Department, and is held accountable on the Books of this Office accordingly — agreeably to those regulations I furnished you with Instructions — It was proper that they should be attended to on your part — which has been done agreeably to my wishes in your accounts rendered here — The old Rolls have been found by reference to be good ones, and I see no cause for alteration, and have mentioned it to Coll Burbefontiena of my determination to pursue the same line of Conduct as has been the Custom heretofore — The difference of Opinions I hope will be done away with before long — and that you will be able to pursue your duties as Pay master without any of the disagreeable circumstances which have heretofore attended them — I am &^c &^c William Simmons Samuel Hougdon Esq^r — Department of War December 6^th Office January 20^th 1796 I have to request that you will furnish me with the charges of Monies that may appear on your Books against Elias Langham Cap^t Superintendent of Military Stores at Shepards Town Virginia — I am &^c &^c William Simmons