Alexander J. Dallas Esq^r Department of War Accountant's Office Sir May 12^th 1797 A combination of persons have from time to time drawn out of the War Office upon false powers of Attorney fabricated in a very artful and villainous manner a considerable number of Land Warrants due from the United States to sundry Officers and Soldiers belonging to the Quota of Pennsylvania for their services during the late War which is likely to operate very much to the injury of just claimants & prejudice of the Public — I have thought proper to promulge this information to you Sir understanding that the State of Pennsylvania have by some legislative act extended the issuing of Lands to the late Soldiers of the line of the State, and that claims are filed in the State Offices, predicated on the evidence of like powers of which settlements have been obtained from this Department — The United States having commenced suits against a number of the Con=spirators and by the confession of some I have been made acquainted with the manner in which the Powers were forged by which am enabled to detect in a great measure the frauds, and am very willing to communicate it to the State Officers to prevent the imposition to the State. I am vc. W^m Simmons Acct^.