[Copy] War Office 27 March 1796 Sir In answer to your Letter of the 30^th of January ults. I have to refer you for an explanation of the instructions given you by the late Secretary of War in so far as respects the advance to be laid on the Goods distributed for the Indian trade to the purport of Letter of the 12 March copy of which I enclose. Following the idea therein mentioned you are to add only 33⅓ to the cost of the Goods which is supposed equal to expence of transportation your Salary and other damages should you find it however insufficient to this object you will pursuant, it tell it comes then giving me due information thereof I am Sir your ob^t James McHenry Secy of War M^r J. Byers L. [Copy]