Aug. 7. 1799. J. Bruff Cap.^t at Exp.^s on account 400. Dollars Warr.^t N.^o 2 S. N^o. Philadelphia [undecipherable] 1799 — In obedience to the orders of General Hamilton, I am now on my way to Niagara with two necessary Witnesses [a Sergeant & Artificer — I la[undecipherable]] before a Court of inquiry, charges exhibited against him last Winter — To enable me to proceed; it will be necessary to advance a Sum of money to defray the expenses of [undecipherable] and Subsistence; for which I may be held accountable — an estimate of what this advance ought to be, I have taken the liberty to state as follows — Stage hire for Self & two Soldiers from Baltimore to Niagara — say, 700 miles @ 18 Cents p. mile & return the same — is ——————————— 252. — Accommodations on the way Say 50 Miles p. day is 14 days at 450 Cents p. day & Return the same — is ————————— 126. — $ 378. — And for Unforeseen accidents & delays 22. — $ 400 — For the due application of which I hope to produce proper Vouchers, and have the honor to be — Y^r obedient Servant [Signed] [J. Bruff] An extract from General Hamilton's letter ordering me with my [undecipherable] to Niagara on my charges against Major [undecipherable: probable reading Rivardi] — letter — "I have lately written to You directing you to repair to [Niagara] on the affair of your charges against M[ajor] [undecipherable: probable reading Rivardi]" "You have been also told that [indispensable] Witnesses may, be taken on at the expense of the Public — but this can only respect charges which have been regularly exhibited, not those which may to hereafter be contemplated as you intimate the existence of such; I conceive it to be my duty to call for a Specification" [Signed] Alexander Hamilton — The Secretary of War has assured me upon a representation of my instructions from General Hamilton, & Quoting that part of his letter that directs my going to Niagara, an advance on account may be made by the Paymaster General. [Signed] [J. Bruff] ... [undecipherable] Eq^r Received of C[aptain] [undecipherable] this 7^th day of August 1799 [the] sum of four hundred dollars on account for which I am accountable to the Accountant of the department of war or to the [Pay]master C[aptain] [undecipherable] [Pur]poses 400. $ [Signed] J. Bruff