[Accountants 6] Lieu^t John Saunders Fort Norfolk. near Norfolk V^a D^r Sir September 13^th In answer to your letter of the 2^d Inst. I inform you that by directions of the Sec^y of War I am transmit the pay for the Troops at Fort Norfolk in the manner as if Captain [undecipherable: Belhum?] was at the Post, when Capt. about to leave the Fort he mentioned it to me by le which I found it necessary to consult the Sec^y of W respect to the mode of paying the Troops, his answer to that I was to transmit the money in the usual way was not absent. I therefore concluded that Capt. B obtained leave and that he would be wrote to on subject. I can assure you that it is from no misim -ment or want of confidence in you that the mon transmitted in this way, and I declare to you tha should be well satisfied at your having the disbur of the money in question was it consistent with instructions of the Secretary. I enclose to you the letter for Captain burn which I must beg you to direct and forward to I am &c. H^ce Simmons Acct