[cover: Knoxville 20 June / David Henley / rec^d 2. 16^th July / adv 2. 19^th] [address: William Simmons Esquire / Lieutenant War Department / Philadelphia] Knoxville 20 June 1798 Sir Agreeable to your request I hasten to forward you the Abstracts for monies paid in the various branches of my Office, as well as for the bills I have drawn for the purposes of those payments, and which will leave me with a balance of six thousand Dollars from which Cap^t Sparkes Company is to be paid to five months. The reason assigned for Cap^t Sparkes not applying in time for the pay of his troops is, that they have been so detached and on such duty that it could not be made with convenience. I expect as Lieut Wright came to town last evening the demand will be immediately made for it. I also inclose you a Sketch of M^r Hillis Accounts, by which you will see that it is nearly upon a balance. I have been filled with concern for this young man, his intemperance and other conduct made it highly proper, that I should know the state of the Monies that he has been entrusted with, and accordingly I have insisted upon it, almost neglecting every other part of the business to bring on this necessary information, and in stating his Account, found him due in a large balance; at which he seemed to shew surprise, but after some evasion he brought down from his Chamber four papers which are the Obligations of Anthony Foster, William Ait John & George Deaderick, and James Winchesters for two thousand six hundred dollars for as much advanced them in the Year 1796, being as they say for Rations which they have never to receive, and which the Militia furnished themselves. I have not had time to converse with M^r Hillis to know whether he received any consideration for these advances, or from what Motive he did it upon, but certainly he has been wrong in doing it. Money is due to the people of Cumberland for Rations, but these demands cannot be settled unless a person goes to the place where the duty was performed; for the manner in drawing out the Militia and furnishing them, has been from various accounts so fraudulent, that it contrasts so with our Oaths and sentiments of justice that prevents it. M^r Hillis must be called back to Philadelphia, his intemperance, his want of firmness in truth, and shewing himself unworthy to be trusted renders him unfit for an Office. If he had been my Son I could do no more than I have to reclaim him, being so attached to drink I give him up as ruined, and request that some person maybe sent on in his place. Should his Vouchers correspond with his abstracts I shall rejoice that his accounts will not be in a losing condition to the public. He owes money to Individuals and I know not how he is to get some. — I have been very unfortunate in assistance which has made the business extremely hard upon me; — Allison the first who is where he ought always to be; Pickard not to be trusted; and now Hillis ruined by drink. Having got through the Pay Masters it is time that I send forward my own expenditures, which I hope to do in two months, and to shew the confidence the public has put in me, has not been made a bad use of. — I am Respectfully your Hum^l Servant David Henley Ag^t War