[Portland Decem^r 2^d 1798] [Amos Stoddard] [Received 13^th Dec^r 98] [Ans^d 2— 18—] Portland 2^d Dec^r 1798. Sir, By request of Lieu^t Hale, I enclose you a Muster-roll of my recruits; and agreeably to the directions contained in yours of the 22 October, I also transmit you a Pay-roll of the men under my command from the dates of their enlistments to the 30^th of Sep. inclusive. Please to insert the time of my appointment tho' as I have some public money in my hands I am not solicitous about any wages for myself. Lieu^t Steele is now in Boston on his way to this place — I have therefore included him in the payroll. If my calculations are found to be erroneous, please to inform me of the alterations, and particularly of the time of my appointment, as I wish to settle my accounts with the Commissary and Quarter master. My receipts for bounties, I have enclosed to Maj. Jackson by his direction; who informs me that in future I must forward my pay-rolls to him for settlement. By examining the Muster-rolls you will perceive that Richard Boreck is excepted to by Lieu^t. Hale. Previous to this exception on the 26 October, I requested the Sec^y of war to discharge him. On the 13 Ult^o the muster took place — and on the 20 Ult^o I received a letter from the Sec^y of war ordering me his discharge, to be permitted him on condition of his returning his bounty and clothing. The previous exception of the muster master put it out of my power to secure the bounty. His age appeared doubtful to me at the time of his enlistment — but he produced me a book in which the time of his birth was recorded apparently many years ago, to have taken place in the year 1762. These circumstances will serve to determine whether I am to be allowed the bounty paid him, or not. I am, Sir, with respect, your very hum^l Serv^t Amos Stoddard William Simmons, Esq.