[William Simmons Esq^re Accountant of the War Department Philadelphia] West Point April 26^th 1795 Sir, Since the date of my letter of the 22^d I have applied at the office of probate for this County for letters of Administration on the effects of [undecipherable]worth, but I find that as the Laws of the State of New York is established on that subject further delay & expense will attend the business, than I had anticipated. Mr. Cudworth not being a citizen of the State the application must be made to the judge of Probate in New York. A citation to the next of kin to appear & shew cause why the administration should not be granted to the applicant must be, in this case, published in the Gazettes at least four weeks prior to granting the same. Bonds must also be given with two approved sureties for the faithful discharge of the duties of administrator. The object to be obtained by all this circuity, & consequent expence, appears to me not to be of sufficient magnitude to require or justify my undertaking it. especially as I am personally, not in the least interested in the business - having in view only the benefit of Mr. Cudworth's creditors in wishing to obtain for him as large a proportion of their several demands, as possible. Should I obtain the arrears due at your office, I shall hold myself responsible to the father of Lt. Cudworth, for the faithful application of it; as I now do with respect to effects already in my possession. Should I not obtain it, I shall immediately pay out what I have collected & render him an account of the business. I am, with due respect, Sir, your very Obedient serv^t B. Hale Lt. of Artill^d & Eng. William Simmons Esq^r