Pittsburg 21^st November 179[6] Sir Ens. Meriwether Lewis arrived here last Night from Detroit charged with Dispatches from the Com[man]d[e]r in Chief to the Sec'y of War which I am instructed to forward immediately by a confidential person. Mr. Lewis having offered his Service I have sent the Dispatches contained in Three Packets forwards to the War Office in his Charge and have furnished him with — Have [paid?] into his Hands forty dollars for which he will account with you in [their?] [which?] sum you will please to place to my Credit. [B.?] By my own [account?] [Lewis's?] Receipt for the above sum enclosed — in the post office the Mail of the 11^th contain[ing] a packet address'd to you containing Muster [Pay?] Rolls return'd by last post I am Sir very ob^d Ser^t [undecipherable: signature] [Mr.] [undecipherable] Summ[ar]s esq[ui]r[e] Philadelphia