[Copy] James Wilkinson... To Preile [undecipherable: Simmons?] with Note of Sec^y. of War March 27. 1[79]7 N^o 1. C --- Philadelphia March 27 1797 Sir I have received your favor of the 23^d Inst. and in answer have to inform you that this money has been appropriated to secret services under the directions of Gen^l Knox whom Sec^t. of War and during my command. I have vouchers for a major part of the sum which shall be transmitted to you, but the expenditure of some part of it from the nature of the service to be performed could not be vouched. Be pleased to submit this to the consideration of the Hon^ble the Minister of War. With respect I am Sir Your mo. obed Serv^t. (Signed) J Wilkinson William Simmons Esq^r. The Sec^t. of War admits the amount in the expectation that Gen^l Wilkinson will make a statement to him of the expenditure of the money which did not admit of vouchers. (Signed) James McHenry