Department of War, Accountants Office, August the 23^rd 1799. Sir, In reply to your letter of the 21st. instant, I have to observe, that it is a desirable object with me to expedite the settlement of all accounts which may be rendered to this Office, and which I flatter myself, I might have realized with those rendered by you, as agent for the Quarter master General; but being materially connected with, and making part of those rendered by that officer himself, on which many questions, and considerations, arise, highly important to the pecuniary interest of the United States, they must necessarily come within the general settlement of his accounts. As soon as I am enabled to effect this, the result shall be duly communicated. I am Sir Your Ob. Serv.^t W^m Simmons Samuel Hodgdon Esq.^r late Agent for the Quartermaster Gen.^l [War Department Accountants Office] [Samuel Hodgdon Esquire Superintendent of Military Store] [W^m Simmons 23 August 99 Inability of any early particulars] [seal]