The Secretary of War Accountants Office May 13 1797 Sir I received your letter of the 28^th Ult^o enclosing a Copy of certain Resolutions of the House of Representatives passed on the 3^d March 1797, requiring statements & Estimates relation to the military and naval Establishments, with request that so far as depends on this Office, measures might be taken to enable the Secretary of Treasury to comply with the said Resolutions. In conformity thereto I have proceeded in establishing the forms by which the Secretary of the Treas^y is of opinion I am to be governed in rendering the said acco^ts and as it will be a duty of great labour, and will require the strict attendance of at least two Clerks to compleat them within the time limited, I conceive it proper to inform you, that if that number should be taken from those now employed in the Office, the current business can not be pursued with that accuracy and diligence which is necessary. I therefore beg leave to submit to you Sir whether it would not be proper that I should appoint two additional Clerks, although there are no appropriations at present and depend on bong[?] appropriating hereafter. If you are of this opinion you will be aware that the Salary of men of sufficient abilities [taking] into view the temporary appointment) will be greater than the ordinary allowance to Clerks I am of opinion that it will require about Eight Hundred Dollars each p annum— your decision for my government I request as early as convenient that I may pursue the business with all possible dispatch. W^m Simmons Act^t