The Secretary of War           Accountants Office     Sir                March 11^th 1797     On forming an estimate of the probable amount of the six Months pay and Subsistence of the deranged Officers a list of which was furnished from my Office, and exclusive of those referred to in the H.B. thereof I find it will amount to nearly double the sum appropriated by Congress for that object. It may therefore be proper that I should be informed before I proceed to settle either of these accounts — which of them are to be suspended for the present.     As Congress have not affixed the price of the Ration to be allowed to the deranged Officers, some just principle should be adopted by which I am to be govern in the settlement of such of the accounts as you may be pleased to direct.     In the Estimate above alluded to I have calculated the Ration at twenty Cents; the average price appropriated by Congress. If you Sir with me should deem this a proper allowance, you will be pleased to signify the same.    I am &c.                     W. Simmons                     Acct.