[Copy] Copy of a letter from John Wilkins Jun^r. Quarter-Master General, to the Secretary of War, dated Philad^a. 15 February 1799. Sir, Agreeable to your directions, I have examined the Vouchers, on which the abstract referred to me was founded; and have had an explanation [strikethrough: from] with Captain Butler of the nature of the disbursements charged by him. It appears they were taken for traveling expenses including subsistance for himself as well as forage for his Horse. It has been customary for the Q^r Mast Department to allow for forage for Horses, but not for provisions for the person employed, because the Rations given were always supposed to meet the provision part — This account as it now stands would not be discharged by me. I am Sir, with great Respect your most Ob^t. Hbl^e. Serv^t. Signed, Jo^s. Wilkins Jun^r. — Q^r. Mast^r. Gen^l. [Endorsement on verso: Jno Wilkins, Q^r. Mast^r. [undecipherable]]