[endorsement: [undecipherable] / July 5^th 1798] [M.B. 12.] [seal] War Office February 8. 1798. Sir, I have received your letter of the 8 instant. The Secretary having been prevented by indisposition from attending at the Office this day, has put it out of my power to obtain authority for you to engage the Drummer on the terms you have mentioned. I have no doubt but that he will consent to it, as he has already done so in several instances. On examining the Rolls of Captain Kingsbury company, I find that a David Smith was discharged therefrom in March 1795. I enclose you some blank inlistments, I am Sir with esteem Your ob^t Servant [undecipherable: probable reading N. Fories] [Ensign W[undecipherable]]