fort Washington 17^th Jan 1796 The Commander in chief has given me directions for procuring money, of which the following is an Extract. "as a considerable Sum of money will be necessary for defraying the contingent demands of your Department and there being no certainty of procuring it near Detroit, I would advise you to direct this business to be negotiated at the [undecipherable] and in Kentucky by drafts on the Secretary of War, allowing Sight [as] the circumstances will permit, say to the amount of twenty Thousand dollars": In consequence of this and agreeably to my letter to you of 11^th Inst from this place I have drawn on you the following bills being at as long Sight as money can be procured D. C's. N^o.1 in favor of [C?] Harrison for 180. d[?] 2 — do Tho: Gibson for 11[undecipherable] 50. from 3 to N^o 8 inclusive Six bills in favor of Ch: L. Wilkins for 500 doll. each 3000 — from 9 to N^o 25, inclusive Seventeen bills in favor of Ch: L. Wilkins for 1000 doll. each 17000. 21,280. 50. for till N^o 2 I have rec'd. The money at this place the remainder in favor of Col: Wilkins have been Sent to Lexington in Kentucky to be negotiated the bills with duly honoured. I consider this Sum of money absolutely necessary to conduct the arrangements of the department, the necessity of having the money all at one time arises from the certainty of our not being able to procure money on Bills at Detroit. I am, Sir, with great respect Your very humble Serv[t] Ja[s] Wilkins [undecipherable] D[undecipherable]. The Hon^ble. ) James McHenry Sec^ry of War.