[Lim^t David Hale Dated — Nov^r 25 Rec^d — Decem 26, 97 ans.] Ellis' Island Dec. 25, [17]97 Sir, I have received your letter of the 18th. & agreeably to your directions enclose the required certificate. In doing which however I do not relinquish my claim for double rations. If I had not been governed by precedent in drawing for them, I should conceive myself entitled to them by the plain letter of the act, which [underline: does not] say, that by a seperate post is meant "a place where troops are stationed for the defence of a particular part of the Continent." — But not ralying in the present case [underline: solely] on the merits of the act, I beg leave to refer you to the Contractors certificate to be informed that Lieut. Marschalk. at the same post, on the same duty & in the same situation with myself, [underline: was allowed] & [underline: did receive] them. I have furthermore authentic information that Capt. Stiller, who is recruiting at Middletown, [underline: is allowed] double rations. It is but reasonable that I should expect the same allowance which has been & is conceded to others — & which would seem to be supported by law. I have also received your letter of the 20th instant informing me of the remittance of two hundred Dollars which was transmitted to Nicholas Fish Esq^r. This sum I have received of him. Enclosed are duplicates of my receipts for the payment of Bounties for the last fortnight. I omitted to transmit them last week, because being out of money I had taken but one or two. Amount of receipts sixty six Dollars. I am with due respect Sir, Your very obed^t serv^t [D. Hale] William Simmons Esq^r