you conceive it to be reasonably; as also th[e] account[s of] M^cClallen after they attest to their accounts, and [the co] =mandant approves of the Charges pursuing [thereto] all such Charges the utmost frugality ought to be ob[served] these men have it in their power to make large [charges and] ought therefore to be carefully examined before pay[ment is] made?. I am in doubt whether an Officer or Soldier is [entitled] by Law to the reward for apprehending a deserter— th[e act of] Congress mentions that after the most diligent sear[ch has] been made by order of the Commanding Officers— then be proper to advertize the deserter, and offer a Ten Dollars for apprehending him. The Officer or [soldier in] my opinion is in the line of his duty when on [service of] that Kind, receives his Pay as such, and any exp[enses that] may accrue in pursuit of deserters. All this taken [into view] I doubt that they are entittled to the reward: alt[hough] in several instances it has been allowed. — Th[e] I am Sir Y^r — William Im[undecipherable] [Department of W[ar] Accountants [Office] March 23] M^r William Cox Baltimore Maryland Sir Your letter of the 19^th [undecipherable] I have received; and agreeably thereto I enclo[se a] copy of your Account Current as Settled in this [office] the 22^d of January 1796. — I am Sir Y^r William Im[undecipherable]