[Copy] Copy of a Letter from the Secretary of War to John Wilkins Jun^r. Esq^r. Quarter Mast[er General] dated — War department [illegible] February 1799. Sir, I enclose an abstract, stated, to exhibit the personal expences of Captain Edward Butler, whilst discharging the duty of Quarter Master General which was enjoined on him by the commander in chief, Major General Anthony Wayne, during the Absence of the Quarter Master General. You will be pleased to see Captain Butler, and after obtaining from [strikethrough: him] an explanation of the nature of the disbursements charged by him — Report to me, whether it has been customary, for the Quartermaster general, to allow, and discharge such expenditures. I am sir, with great Respect your Obedie[nt] Servant Signed "James McHenry John Wilkins Jun^r. Esq^r. Quarter Master General —