[Received From State Dep't. Nov 24, 1804. B.P.O. 401810.] Fort Johnson May 12^th 1796 I received your favor of the 8^th of April last, and now enclose to you the Returns for the Months of January February, March & April, also a copy of Barrack account for the Months of June July & August which you informed me had not come to your hands. — I hope these Returns will give you satisfaction, and clear up every accommodation. if there should be any still wanting, and is in my power to give you any information, I shall be done with pleasure — I must observe that the duty of the Post is so multifold and requires great attention — all Vessels coming with the Tide on, you by the laws of the State, obliged to send their boat a shore at the Post the Captn likewise demanded on deck at the place he came from, if any stock on board, and what persons of Colour are on board — in both of said matters to call with the Governour, in case of People hoping or attempting to People — We are to fire at them, and to bring them too — This with collecting between Vessels and settle the cases — Celebrating on the fourth Proof July, and the Presidents Birth Day expences much powder &c — I must also beg leave to observe that in the months of June, July and August, I was confined by a sickness, and afterwards obliged to go to the G^t Court on Public business, and did not return until the 1^st of December — I hope this circumstance you will not be found to be blame worthy, if there should be any mistakes, for I shall take every possible care to find them out of force — Clothing for the Men are much wanted, as I wrote with precision by the last Returns transmitted to you, which I hope you have received, and will forward what is necessary as soon as possible — I am with esteem & Respect Sir your most Ob^t Hble Serv^t I must observe in case if you will for the future have the letters on Public business addressed to me, Franked — in order to save the expence of Postage — Mikhael Kalteisen Cap^t A. & E. Major Hodgdon Inspector General of Stores [Captain Kalteisen letter 12^th May 1796 Fort Johnson]