W.S. October 5 1799 Francis Mentges Esqr. Philada. Sir Your accounts & voucher for expenditures on account of the Fortifications at Mud Island between 1 July & 30 Sept. Ulto. have been examined, The amount thereof being Dollars 10418.70 has been passed to your credit leaving a balance in your hands of Twelve thousand three hundred twenty four Dollars & 45/100, & with which you remain charged on the books of tis office. Several of the labourers have made their mark to the Receipt Rolls without being witnessed, as in required in all cases & Wm Sheib receipts for the pay of others, without any apparent authority. These are irregularities; the like must be guarded agains in future. Accounts transmitted to this Office for Settlement must always be accompanies by an acct. [illegible 5 letters] shewing the sums received the amount disbursed, & the balance arising thereon, I mention this for your government in future as your accots. are difficient in this particular, I inclose a copy of your accot. [illegible 5 letters. I am Sir [illegible] W.S.