War Department 13^th December 1798. Sir, Major Cushing is extremely desirous, his account should be settled, for the expences incurred by him, in proceeding, by order of Brigadier General Wilkinson, from Tennessee, to the seat of Government. The principle of the settlement, should be that of "reasonable expences", which has always, heretofore been applied, in the allowance for similar claims. Regulations are contemplated, to govern in future, all cases of compensation to Officers, detached on service, so as to be, obliged to incur expences on the road; when completed, they will be communicated to you. I am Sir your obed^t servant James McHenry William Simmons Esq^r Accountant War Depart. [William Simmons Esq^r Accountant of the Line War department] [directing a reference to Maj^r Cushings — acct respecting [undecipherable] expences — and informing that the [undecipherable] from [undecipherable] similar Regulations will shortly be made]