[James Bruff Rec.^d 28 July 97 ans. same day. 97] Niagara June 21. 1797. Sir. Enclosed are the muster & pay rolls for May — The lads White & Wisner now do duty — are expert in every beat. and in my opinion, entitled to bounty & full pay. I have, therefore, return'd them for it. William Parr, I have mustered a chief musician — he tarns — and has been indefatigable in instructing the boys: camp authority, has a great deal of trouble: & I think merits additional pay. M^r. Putman & his command are 13 miles above this — at Port Schlosfer — he reports to me once a week. We have been a long time expecting our pay — the last we have was for January — about 6 months. Why we are so long kept without, is to us inconceivable. We wish to send to Albany for stores; but have not the means. I am sorry to have occasion, yet to complain; that I have no acknowledgment for any voucher for the expenditure of public money transmitted y^r office since I left Philadelphia: I shall not trust any more out of my hands until I have something to satisfy me that those I have forwarded, have gone safe. I will thank you to inform me if any account for my subsistence has been settled at your offices — and the amount. I am. Sir. William Simmons Esq^r. accountant. war office. Your Obedient Servant. [signature: J. Bruff]