[Envelope addressed: William Simmons / [undecipherable] & the War [Dept.?] / Philadelphia] [Docketing, rotated: No. [undecipherable] / [undecipherable] 1 of C. commanding / George [undecipherable] &c. / to [undecipherable] / No. [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] / Am?] Niag^t Dec. 9. 1798 Sir The Secretary of War has directed the Post [undecipherable] of [the] Garrison [undecipherable] to be paid out [of] the public monies which may be in the hands of [undecipherable] the Pay Master, at the rate of 50 Cents [per] day three times a Week. The United States are now indebted to the Postman, for the Month of November. Lieut. Freeman having no money in his hands belonging to the public I have to request you would furnish him with money, for the purpose of paying the Postmen making himself accountable to you, for the monies received, agreeable to the order of the Secretary of War. I have wrote the Secretary of War on the subject of Musters of the troops [undecipherable] in my opinion as [undecipherable] should [undecipherable] of having the troops Mustered on different [undecipherable] sides; than what has been the [practice?] of late; of this Garrison. I have postponed the Muster for November, with the [full?] expectation of receiving orders and instructions from the Secretary of War on the subject. I have not as yet received any. I think a hint from you of the necessity of the business; would sooner answer the purpose wished for. I am Sir your Most Obedient [undecipherable] Jno Ingersoll Capt 1. Reg^t A & [undecipherable] commanding William Simmons Esquire