Treasury Department Comptroller's Office February 13. 1798 Sir Herewith you will receive a copy of a letter dated the 10^th instant which I have received from Caleb Swan Esq stating several questions relative to the Settlement of his accompts as Paymaster to the Troops. — Before I can proceed to give an opinion on these questions it appears to be necessary that I should be furnished with your representation on the subject; which I shall be glad to receive as soon as your convenience will permit. — I am Sir, very respectfully, Your Ob. Servant [signature] William Simmons Esquire. --- Philadelphia February 10. 1798 — Sir, I beg leave to request that you will favor me with your opinion on the following points —— viz: Whether the paymaster of the troops of the United States, after having transmitted to the accountant of the Department of War, such detailed Muster Rolls, Pay Rolls, Certificates, Warrants, and Receipts, as are directed in the instructions of the Comptroller of the Treasury of the United States to him, under date of the 2^d July 1792 be not entitled to a credit at the Treasury for the amount? OR whether a credit to the said Paymaster of the Troops for such payments, can or ought to be delayed by the Accountant of the Department of War until the full Paymaster & other accountable Agents have rendered their vouchers and obtained a settlement for the sums paid to them. — And also, whether the paymaster of the Troops after exhibiting the warrants of the Commander in Chief, and the necessary receipts be not entitled to a credit at the Treasury for all such sums, as have been drawn out of his hands by the said Commander in Chief of the Army; whether the said sums were applied to the payment of the Troops, or other purposes. — I have the honor to be very respectfully Sir, Your Ob. Servant (Signed) C Swan [The Hon. the Compt. of the Treasy.]