[Sect of War] Nov 12^th 1798 87⁸ Sir I have drawn on the department of War of the 8^th [inst?] of Sept for 750 dls, in favour of M^r Jos Clay Jun^r of Savannah this is on the ble of the P T as if I as for the fa of advancements made his department. M^r Clay has been recommended in place of M^r M^cWalins who has declined his office to Judge Clay of the district Court a man of considerable property, has far as I have information a very fpronable character I could not substitute a more suitable person tho I had informed the department of the circumstances. Capt Cs Merh of Augusta has likewise declined the Publte [undecipherable], but as my experience suggests the direct communication to Savannah being by expencive I intend of [undecipherable] for foragt making my conveyance that rout for the future to more expeditions & the apponer of an agent with the forces. I must inform you that owing to the enticement of the [undecipherable] of the Officers & the inhabitants a few Citizens under [undecipherable] inducting themselves to obtain the privilege of entice during their [undecipherable] on the land our side of the Avenue I must therefore decline the the building in horses & cattle the further instruction as it cannot be continued without [undecipherable] regarded to the public interest.