[Staats Morris / rec'd 29^th March / Ans. 2^d April] William [Simmons?] Esq^r Department of War Sir West Point March 25 179[undecipherable] I was not a little surpris'd to learn from the Pay Master that you should conceive the charge of 18½ D^rs for bringing up from New York the money for the payment of [the] [undecipherable] should be too much, and that 10 D^rs which had been charg'd theretofore, was sufficient. — The charge of 10 D^rs was established by myself, but at that time you will recollect the river was open, and that a passage to the City could be had at any time for a trifling sum, and that the money going and returning on the Stage at the Season [undecipherable], would alone be attended with an expence of 11½ D^rs, using the strictest economy the expence in [the] City you all know to need any [comment]. — In addition to this, I would shew that I could not receive the money until I had made myself personally accountable for the whole sum by receipting to Col^o Fish — These circumstances I conceive ought to induce the allowance [on] my account. — I would beg leave to request you would transmit M^r Roberts's money which becomes due on the last of this month, as early as you conveniently can to Col^o Fish. M^rs [undecipherable]'s receipts for the amount which are in my possession shall be forwarded to the Col^o as soon as I hear of his having the money. hith respect I am Sir Your obed^t Serv^t Staats Morris Captain [U.S?]