War Department 19^th December 1798. Sir, I have received your letters, dated the 3^d & 17^th of September last, and this instant. The accountant is requested to report to the Secretary, such heads of accounts, as in his judgement, certain Acts of Congress, passed during the last Session, have rendered necessary to be opened, upon his books, in addition to those now used. In making his reports, the Accountant will keep in view, the principles, simplicity of arrangement, and general classification, heretofore established by the Treasury Departments. I am Sir your obedient servant James McHenry William Simmons Esq^r. Accountant War Department. [War department / The Accountant of the Department of War] [War department / James McHenry / December 19^th 1798 / 94 / requ^d to report / heads of such heads of future Acco^ts / as the accountants shall deem / to his Accounts; within / [undecipherable] Corps hopes along / to last [undecipherable] [undecipherable] / Prints of the office.]