[Knoxville July 1798 David Henley rec^d — 18^th Aug^t Ans^d] [William Simmons esquire] Sir I received your letter of the 13 instant and observe your advice in respect to M^r Hillis and your information that he was intemperate before he came to this Country. It would have given me pleasure to have reformed him, but I am now certain that is out of my power, therefore as soon as he has completed my abstracts I shall dismiss him. The Secretary of War has directed it be done immediately; and in obedience thereto shall discharge him from public employment, but continue him under my private orders, because I wish to close my Accounts as fast as possible, knowing as you write that the longest they continue, the more difficults it will be to adjust them, and that they have been too long delayed. I also must examine all M^r Hillis's Vouchers, which if they are in order and free from fraud, I am inclined to believe the public will loose nothing, for the Monies advanced to Lait. Foster. Deaterick and Winchester is safe. Those sums were advanced to M^r Hillis for to discharge Military claims that was then actually due the [undecipherable] to individuals or their Attornies, and in that manner the receipts are correct which he gave me, it will appear by the particular Manner in doing the business that I have prevented what has been heretofore sort after, that is borrowing the public Monies. The Abstract for purchases made on the Indian account will be ready next post. Cap^t Johnston has presented me his Recruiting Accounts for settlement, but there is an objection to them, which is, that some of the Men have been enlisted prior to the expiration of their time, and so far as six months which makes their subsequent enlistments six months shorter, and this I am told is done by General orders, it may be right, but I have not received any instructions from the War Office respecting it. please to give me your opinion that I may proceed properly. I am Sir — Your Hum^ble Servant David Henley [undecipherable] Knoxville 31 July 1798 I saw your Brother last Sunday and he is well — William Simmons esquire —