[Administrative docket notation, upper left, written sideways:] [Colonel McHenry / [undecipherable] November 1797 / Rec'd 25 January 1798] Colonel Samuel Hodgdon Superintendent of Stores S^r Detroit November 1^st 1797. I forward by this conveyance the receipts for the delivery of the Annuities for the current year to Eleven Indian Nations. Also the Returns of Clothing & of Indian Goods to the first of the present month, with the Vouchers for the Issues in both Departments, the reason of my including the [strikethrough: adding the] month of October to the last Quarter, is that I have obtained leave of Absence to Visit my friends — The next Returns will be for the months of November & December only, which will be made by Mr [undecipherable] [undecipherable] who is appointed [undecipherable] in his Absence. You will observe that there is no voucher for the delivery of Cavalry Clothing, this was received from Greenville to Fort Washington, for the troops acting to the Southwest where the Cavalry is Stationed, by the Generals order in May last. — The deficiency of Clothing must have taken Place not from [strikethrough: Lept of Clothing]; but from my receiving here, with other Clothing, the Clothing which I had before receipted for & charged myself with, because I could not distinguish that which came from my Clothing left at Greenville & of course must have charged myself twice the same articles. — When [undecipherable] are within my own Control it is easy to prevent mistakes or inaccuracy in accounts. But no system can be devised but what is liable to some adventitious circumstances that will evade the calculated preparation. — I have at all times done the best in my power. — As soon as I can will send a stated account corresponding with the Returns. With great respect I am y^r Obt Servant [undecipherable] Colonel Hodgdon [undecipherable]