[427] government. I have to request you will forward them as soon as possible to enable a final settlement of your accounts taking place on the Books of this Office. I am &c. W^m Simmons Acct The Paymaster of the Accountants Office 1^st U.S. Regiment March 29^th 1797 Sir Brigadier Gen^l James Wilkinson the bearer of this carries with him the sum of Twenty thousand dollars, which sum is intended for five months pay of the Troops ordered to march to the Southward. Say from the 1^st November 1796 to the 3 March 1797. This period is contemplated as it is expected, that the Troops are or will be before they march be paid up to the 31 Dec 1796, as the money forwarded together with the [strikethrough: money] authority given for drawing Bills it is expected will be sufficient for the Pay of the Troops up to that period. If you have any monies in your hands due to those Troops who are ordered to march or receive any previous to that event you will lose no time in making the payment. Should M^r Swan be absent on Gen^l Wilkinsons arrival with the Army so that it would be inexpedient to deliver the above mentioned sum to him then you are to receive the amount, and the Gen^l will cause Triplicate Muster & Pay Rolls to be formed taking particular care to note opposite the name of every Officer & Soldier the period to which each has been paid & by whom previous to this settlement — You will correctly examine & compare the Muster & Pay Rolls, and certify the amount due thereon for the five months Pay. From the pay Rolls you will form duplicate Receipt Rolls to which you will obtain the necessary signat