Springfield April the 1. 1796 Sir I am unwilling to give you this trouble but fearing that mine of the 16^th Ultimo has not com safe to hand, or that through the multitude of other business you have forgot our Necessities at this Post — would therefore Beg leave to Mention to your honour the extreme want that numbers of the workman are in for there pay to support there famileys — having placed dependance on it at this time as its now becom due. There is also a number of my Contracts for Stock — that is now becom due that is much wanted — would therefore most Earnestly pray that the amount of the two last Estimates, 2,65^h Dollars, & 650 for the expences of the Month of March — the whole 33^th, be sent on as soon as Your conveniency will admit which I could wish might be by the next Post — the expediency of Sending it in post Notes will be determined by your Superiour Judgment. I have the Honour to be Sir your most obedent and very humble Servant David Ames Honourable Secretary at War [Docket: Springfield April 1. 1796 / David Ames / acknowledging [undecipherable] upper 3/4 dollars expences [undecipherable] / ans 7. April 1796]