Cap^t. Amos Stoddart New Port. R.I. July 12^th 1800 Sir I have duly received your letter of the 2 Ins^t. inclosing your accounts for Recruiting Contingent expence — By an established regulation of this Department as explained by a General order dated the 10 May 1800, it has been made the duty of the Pay masters of the several Regiments in the first instance to receive all claims which the officers of their respective Regiments may have against the United States, for examination & settlement with the Pay master General, — I therefore return you the accounts inclo[sed] in order that they may pursue the courses pointed out by the instructions to the Pay masters — Sam &c [signature]