Lieut Col^o Stephen Rochefontaine Commandant West Point Accountants Office Nov 4^th 1796 Sir I received your letter of the 27^th Ulto enclosing extracts of M^r Flemming's communication to you on the subject of his Account of which I suspended that part relating to Expences in pursuit of Deserters until the Items were more fully explained. — On the account of Cap^t Mitchell I have to remark that it has not been customary at this Office to allow Officers their expences when on direct or duty, which is the light in which I view the business. Cap^t Mitchell was sent on — whether he went in pursuit of deserters or for other purposes relating to his duty as an Officer is immaterial. The Charges are in my opinion very extravagant. His Subsistance is allowed him for the time, and which is thought to be sufficient, and there are a number of advances he made to pursers as he calls them for which the particulars are not stated. Sergeant Henry Hannah and others without noting the particulars, they charge 16 ^D/₁₀₀ for expences in pursuing Deserters, these are matters which ought to be particularly stated, as this mode leaves it too much in the power of the person to sport with public money. The objections may be obviated at present by stating the particulars of the expenditures, if this cannot be done the accounts must pass as they are as the payments have been made and it would be difficult to have any part returned — But I have particularly to request that in future, you will cause the persons to keep an accurate & descriptive list of their expences, and allot to the account which must in all cases be forwarded to this Office for examination before the payment is made, this will prevent any objections to the accounts of the Pay Masters after the payment is made. — The necessity of being thus particular must appear obvious to you. I shall therefore conclude by requesting your attention thereto P.S. The Pay & Muster Rolls, your requested were forwarded by last Post I am &c W^m Simmons Acct [Page 240 YNB01]