[N^o 1. 1799] Statement by M^r John Abbot examining Clerk in the Acc^t Office of a conversation which passed on the 20 Feb^y 1799. between Capt Samuel b Vance & the Accountant of the Department of War. [pg 37] The Conversation passed between M^r Simmons & Capt^t Vance, in my presence, this day was to the best of my recollection as follows — M^r Simmons told him that the paper produced was insufficient, to which Capt^t Vance replied in these words "Either you or me must be a Rascal" — M^r Simmons answered that such language was very improper and that it was insulting him in his Office and repeated the words that the paper produced was not sufficient and that he could not receive it, that the original papers had been produced by him (Capt^t Vance) to the Secretary of War, which had been objected to, and that it was necessary that those papers should be produced, and added that the opinion of the Secretary of War, would in a great measure guide him or words to that Effect. — To which Capt^t Vance replied that it was a villainous insinuation, and that his veracity was tested by supposing him capable of certifying to a falsehood, and repeated the words "you are a Rascal". (Signed) John Abbot. Philadelphia 20^th Feb^y 1799.