Springfield March the 16. 1796 Sir I do my self the honour to inform you that the present Quarter will expire the first of April, at which time the workmen will expect there pay from former Promise and from a custom that your predecessor observed, also a number of my ingagments for Stock will then become [undecipherable]. I do not dilate on the importance of renewing it at the time as the [strikethrough: advantages are] apparent in supporting the credit of the Department and innabling the workmen to Support there Familyes. I would beg if it might be agreeable that it may com in Pift notes — as it will take a month from now to get a draught answered from Boston. Except there may be expence attending it — if your Honour should think it a hazard, they might to make it Safe, be cut in two and sent at different times. The pay roll and other expences for the present month will be Six hundred and fifty dollars — and dued to the Dftimate for february, will make 330^d Dollars to pay the workmen, and for necessary Supplies of Stock — I have the honour to be your most Obedient and very humble [servant] David Ames [Honourable Secretary at War]