Capt. Staats Morris West Point New York Sir I received your Letter of the 15^th Inst. enclosing the Inlistments of two Recruits & a Certificate of Capt. Miller. The former has enabled me to make an examination of your Ac. of Recruiting & you will accordingly receive from Nicholas Fish Sup^t Thirty two Dollars, the amount thereof, for which sum you will give your duplicate Rec[eipts]. As regards the Certificate of Capt. Miller on the Subject of Oliver Thornton — I have to observe that in cases of this kind, proof is required of the prisoner of the facts he alledges. If he can produce none, then he must make deposition of the circumstances attending his Capture, relating particularly where he was taken, what Company he belonged to at the ti[me,] how he was released, where and when he arrived from Captivity to his place of Residence; and the pay he received, and from who. This done and the deposition transmitted to this Office, the amount found due will be paid him. I am &c. W^m Simmons Acc^t [Accountants Office Aug. 23^d 17[96]]