William Simmons Esq^r } Kingston Massachusetts October 29^th 1799 Accountant Department of War } Sir By a letter which I had the honor to receive, from the Secretary of War: dated in the month of june; announcing in conformity to an act of Congress, the suspension of three of the new Frigates; which were in building:— and the Ships at Portsmouth N H which was building, under my Superintendance, being one of the number directed to be discontinued; and no further provision having been made, for the Pay, and Subsistance of the Officers, who had been appointed to command the three ships ordered to be suspended: I was directed by The Honorable James M^cHenry Esq^r Secretary of War, to make out, and transmit a Statement of the pay, and Subsistance due me, to the last day of June: I herewith do myself the honor, to forward to your Office the Account enclosed; amounting to two hundred, twenty three dollars twenty Cents; being the Amount of my pay and Subsistance for the months of May and june 1796. — As my present residence, is very remote, from Portsmouth; I am to request, that you will be so obliging, as to cause the ballance due me, to be remitted to me; through the medium of some one of the Public Officers at Boston. I have the honor to be with great regard your Ob^t Ser^t James Sever [address panel: To H^r William Simmons Esq^r / Accountant Department of War / Philadelphia]