[Copy of this document — of Capt. S. Engineers Aug. 9. 1796 — Am. 12. 1796] West Point Sep^t 5. 1796 Sir. After the reception of the four Months pay anounced to me by Colonel Rochefontaine, I remain indebted to the United States of four hundred & twenty dollars, considering 17 Months Service to be brought in account against 1875 [undecipherable: Dols.] which including two Months as p^r. pay Rolls I received an advance of pay before the acceptance of my Commission — My wish to wipe of that debt made me propose to the Secretary of War to consent to Monthly [strikethrough: Stoppages] of 25 D^rs by which means I Should ballance my account in Seventeen Months — & I would take care to be included in the payrolls for the Sum of fourty dollars only, untill the 420— are payd forage included — I hope, that arrangement will meet with your consent & you will confer a great obligation on me — With great regard I have the honor to be Sir Your Most Obedient & Your humble Servant F. J. Ulrich Rivardi William Simons Esquire Accountant