Lt. Col. Ste.^r Rochefontaine Accountants Office West Point March 4^th 1797 Sir I received your letter of the 27^th Ulti: inclosing two Claims for balances of bounty - Joseph Head may be paid by M^r Freeman for which I will give him the necessary directions - as respects Spaffords I have invariably made it a rule to deduct all pay due to a deserter - where a balance of bounty is due I conceive it should be paid, if the United States have not been at any expence in apprehending him. If they have, then the amoun[t] to be deducted, and the balance (if any) be paid to the --- Claimants this will govern accordingly in the present case, you will inform M^r Freeman of the amount (if any) which is to be paid after the necessary deductions. - I have to request that in the muster Roll for the Month of February as well as all subsequent must[ers] the proper Officer be directed to note opposite the names o[f] each Artificer, the Trade or occupation which he profess[es] as well as a Certificate that such Men were employed in the service of the United States for the time charged, at their respective trades - I am &c W^m Simmons Acct