War office, May 29^th 1797. Sir, I have now before me, your letter of the 21^st of April last, on the subject of extra compensation paid by you, to a holder of the Canteen for conveying the public letters and Dispatches to and from the Post office at Peekskill. I should have given you my opinion on the propriety of the charge before this time, but detained it, until I could inform myself, in writing from the Post master, on what rate he would undertake to perform the same service. The answer has been received, the result is, that he cannot get it done under once a week $2— twice a week $1— Three times to $— and free foziage.— This being the case, it is evident that your arrangement of half a Dollar a trip, is the more œconomical, and consequently ought to be adopted. I have therefore admitted the account as stated: — and in order that this necessary duty may be brought into a regular train of execution, you will be pleased to consider this letter as an authority for you to continue the present mode of conveyance of public Dispatches, from West Point to Peekskill, and back again, and the mode of payments to be made as heretofore. I am, Sir, &c— Signed, James M^cHenry Col. Rochefontaine— West Point June 3^d 1797. Sir for your information and authority to lay the best money, out of the public Money in your hands; I have the Honor to send you this foregoing copy of a letter, which I have received yesterday from the Secretary of War— and which I do certify to be conform to the original in my hands. I am, Sir, Your obed^t Serv^t Step: Rochefontaine Lt. Col. comd^t [as of act. C. Eng.]