Niagara 16 Nov. 1797 Sir: The cause of my annexing a certificate to the inclosed account of my travelling expences was, because it was out of my power to obtain receipts or vouchers for the money I expended. This will certainly be accounted for to your Gentleness you that I was under the necessity of employing Indian guides and other persons who could neither write or receive the necessary a character for it. When you take into a moment to consideration the time & distance of my routes, you will believe with me that the amount of my charge is less than the real expenditures of my money. I have made no mention or calculation of my two passages by water. If you will forward me the amount of my account, you will oblige your obedient humble Servant W. Simmons Esq^r Autt. V^o John G. Coffin Son [Note. Having no opportunity of sending the inclosed Circular to Lt. Arch Tighlman regularly to his nearest, a fellow and to Hammond it to transmit it to your Office — [undecipherable]] [Coffin, John G. Survy. Mad. Engr. 1797] [J. G. Coffin Nov^r 19 1797 Ans^d same day]