Norfolk May 2^nd 1798 Sir, Having some business to transact, made it necessary for me to be absent, on the day of our last Muster — consequently, was not included in the Muster Roll — I assure you, Sir, that nothing but a matter of some importance to me, should have caused this neglect of duty — I must therefore beg to be considered as present — "I am very Respectfully Y^r Your Ob^t Ser^t John Saunders William Simmons Esq^r [cover address:] [Free] [May. 1. 98] William Simmons Esquire Accountant War Department Philadelphia [lower right, docketing:] John Saunders [undecipherable] Norfolk [undecipherable: Ct. Off?] [undecipherable] Ans^d [undecipherable] 2 dollars