[Lt. Ferd^d Claiborne Lra. 19^th Sept^r 1798 and June day] [William Simmons esquire Accountant Department of War Philadelphia] Port Norfolk 19^th September 1798. Sir Your letter of the 20^th Ulto, to Captain Blackburn, informing the pay for the month of July last for the Garrison under his orders, had been forwarded to Col^o. have been rec^d ived: Edward Carrington — money as yet has not been received. Captain Blackburn left this, some time ago for [undecipherable] in this State, where he is recruiting; and the Command of the Troops having devolved on me, have Mustered them as usual; I have done myself the Honor of transmitting the Muster Pay Rolls to you — Also Captain Blackburn's duplicate receipt [undecipherable: Rose] for Two hundred Dollars delivered him by me for the Recruiting Service, also another receipt signed by him, for six dollars sixty seven Cents, forwarded by me when last in Philadelphia, being the balance due him on settlement of his accounts. Amount of Pay Roll for Captain Blackburn's Company of Artillery for August 1798 agreeably to my calculation. $342. 79^cts Amount of Pay Role for myself & Detachment for Ditto. [undecipherable] D^o Am^t of Pay Roles $883. [undecipherable] Which on examination I hope you will find correct. Accept my wishes for your health & the Gentlemen of your Office. I am with very great respect your most ob^t Serv^t. Ferdinand L Claiborne Lt. 1^st Art^y Infy. William Simmons Esquire