War department, August, 24,^th 1798. Sir, Col: Ebenezer Stevens has been appointed Agent for the Department of War at New York, and authorised to purchase Timber, provide certain Articles in the Ordnance department, and expend Money to construct some new, and complete some old Works for the defence of the City and Harbor of New york. He has been also directed to transmit to the Accountant of the Department of War, monthly, all receipts and vouchers for expenditures made by him, as Agent, during the preceding month, and necessary to the final settlement of his Accounts. You will direct him as to the form of his Receipts, and mode of keeping and rendering his Accounts. All Expenditures for Materials and to Workmen and Labourers employed to construct or repair the Works, and all payments to satisfy Contracts for erecting any part or any complete Work, he is to charge in his Book under the head of "Fortifications." All Expenditures for Gun carriages, Implements for Guns, Military Stores and Gun Powder, to be charged under the head of "Cannon, Arms and Ammunition," and he is to render his Accounts accordingly. I am, Sir, Your obedient Servant, James McHenry The Accountant of the War dep^t. [War department] [the Accountant of the War department] [See letter to Col: Stevens 28 Aug^t 98 — informing [undecipherable] the appointment of Col: Ebenezer Stevens as Agent of the War department — his accounts to be rendered [undecipherable] — charges to be made in 1798]