[Department of War] Lieu^t. Col^o. Stephen Rochefontaine Accountants Office West Point — Sir March 20^th 1797 I received your two letters of the 1^st Instant — The certificate required of the work performed by the helpers, I wish may set forth whether they are employed in making materials for the Public or Individuals, as to their Pay, that will be settled hereafter. On the examination of M^r. Flemings accounts I find considerable sums of money paid to [strikethrough: several] Soldiers for the hire of a Team, which on enquiry I find to be Public Property, & that you have been receiving the earnings thereof, this I have reported to the Secretary of War, and requested him to take such steps in the Business as he conceives proper, I would therefore prefer your applying to some other person to attend to your private Business, mentioned in one of your letters of the above date. I am &c. Wm Simmons Acct. Edward Carrington Esq^r. Accountants Office Super^t. Richmond Virginia March 21^st 1797. Sir I received your letter of the 14^th Inst. enclosing the receipt for Eight hundred Dollars remitted to you for Capt. Gibson, which sum will be entered to your credit on the Books of this Office. I am &c. Wm Simmons Acct.