[Springfield May the 2. 1796] David Ames [4th may 9 C.] Springfield May the 2. 1796 Sir I now due my self the honour to inlise you a muster roll pay roll and estemale, also a return of articles received expended and on hand for the month of April. Haveing ben deprived of the Satisfaction of receiving any answer to my letters of the 1—8 & 23 Ultimo in which I mentioned my want of Money and not knowing but som casuality has prevented your receiving them— would now take the liberty to mention that the fifth month is now going on from the first of January fence which time the whole of the pay due the workmen and those whome I have had Stock from on Public faith is now due— and tis a grate disappointment to those who depended on haveing there pay the first of April which was the time it becom due— and the time I [strikethrough: incouraged] them they should have it auording to former [undecipherable: practise] I should be happy to forbare urging a matter of this nature but when tis concidered as a part of the grate whole your honour will be pleased to see that such delays will lespin the Public Credit— will prevent my keeping the hands at Work which I have taken unvaried panes to learn— and to attain others in there room— or any kind of Stock that we may want on the terms that a Quarterly punctuality would due. The troble of borrowing of barowing such sums as are instantly requisite I wish to be achived from— and which I cant be— let you will be pleased to fend on the sums due on the Estimate for March and which I earnestly hope will be attended to with all conve=nient dispatch. I have the honour to be with Sentements of respect and esteem your most Obedent & very humble Servant David Ames P.S. I have proposed to com to Philadelphia with leave of Providence, about the 19 of this month— if I hear of no objection from you, nor Receive no money before then— Honourable Secretary at War—