Philad^e. 9^th August 1798 Sir In answer to your letter of this date. One rule ought to govern in all such cases as that you have presented. That is where the services performed by an Officer is extra and such as to occasion extra expence [undecipherable] expences are to be allowed. To determine what is reasonable in Cap^t M^cClay's case it will be proper to have reference to what has been allowed to others who have come the same route and what time others have employed in preparing like accounts for final inspection & settlement. The Accountants will make this examination and report accordingly a precise sum for consideration. I am sir Your Ob^t Serv^t James McHenry M^r Peter Hagner D^r. Clk. Accountants Office.