Sir The cloathing I have here are so very [undecipherable] and badly made, that the greatest part of them must be altereds. You will oblige me very much if you woulds inform me whether the expence of altering them may with propriety be charged to the Government. I am with respect your humble Servant James Read William Simmons Esq^r Accountant War Department Easton Pennsylv^a September 1^st 1798 [cover sheet addressed to: William Simmons Esq^r / Accountant War Department; notation: Easton; notation: Free; docketed upper right: Easton September 1, 1798 / James Read / rec^d 8^th / June 8^th [undecipherable]]