N^o 4 1. Copy Statement by M^r. Ja[mes] Hodnett Clerk in the Acct. Office, of a conversation that passed on the 20 Feb^y 1799. between Capt. Sam^l. C. Vance, and the Accountant of the Department of War. [pg 34.] The conversation which happened this morning between the Accountant of the War Department & Capt. Samuel C. Vance, in my presence is as follows. — Capt. Vance observed "that either he or M^r Simmons acted in "a villainous manner" — To which M^r Simmons replied "that he had insulted him in his office and should take further notice of his behaviour" Capt^r. Vance then told M^r Simmons that "he did not insult him; and added that M^r Simmons made use of some rascally insinuations in supposing that he asserted to a falsehood" to which M^r Simmons replied he was a rascall — Capt. Vance then told him "he was not and if M^r Simmons was not in his Office he would" — M^r Simmons ask'd him "what he would do" to which I do not recollect Capt. Vance's reply, nor many other expressions he made use of before he left the Office. (Signed) James Hodnett Philadelphia 20 Feb^y 1799.