[Copy of Simmonds letter to Watson at York—] [May 29] [1800] Department of War Accountants Office May 29. 1800 Sir, I have rec'd your letter dated the 25 inst. and on application at the War Office I find the accounts you mentioned to have lodged there; They are of a nature not to be Settled at this Office— Several applications have been made to me, for the payment of [undecipherable] accounts, & they have been referred to [undecipherable] Department as the proper one to present the accounts. They have however been refused a Settlement upon the principle that the United States were considered as not liable for their payment— I believe, from what I can understand of the subject that no fixed principle is established to govern in the case. No Settlement has ever taken place & it would appear from that circumstance that objections exist to their settlement not readily to be removed. Of this however I cannot speak with certainty as I before observed this Office is not charged with the Settlement of such accounts. I therefore return them to you inclosed. I am respectfully Sir, your mo ob't Ser't [Copy] W^m Simmons Ja^s Watson Esq^r New York