[M^r Simmons E^sqs – accountants War^r – James Riv^r 16^th Aug^t 97 –] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] Solomon Van Rensselaer Esq^r Captain of [undecipherable] [undecipherable] State [undecipherable] Dep^t of War Accountants Office July 23. 1797 Dear Sir I take the liberty to introduce to your particular care, friendship & patronage, the bearer, Stephen G. – Simmons, a brother of mine who is lately appointed a lieutenant of Light Dragoons, and attached to your Troop; – he is a young man without much experience of Military knowledge, or of being absent from his friends for any length of time, I shall therefore take it very kind in you to assist him with your friendly advice both with respect to his Morals and duty as an Officer any fav^r you may confer on him shall be thankfully remember'd by your Most ob^t & very humble Serv^t [undecipherable] S. Simmons [decorative flourish] Solomon Van Rensselaer Esq^r Captain Light Dragoons