Capt^t. Alex^r. Gibson Staunton, Virginia                                                                 Accountants Office                                                                 October 19^th 1797 Sir I have received your letter of the 1^st Instant with the Muster & pay Roll of your detachment for August & September 1797 which will be placed under examination and the proper amount forwarded to the Supervisor as usual — as respects George Oliver, an examination will be made, but it appears to me very improper that an Officer should keep a Soldier so great a length of time from his duty without reporting it to the Secretary of War. I am &c.                                                                 W^m. Simmons Acct^t