August 28 1800 Caleb Swan Esq P.M.C. Sir: I have referred to the records of the War Office, and no authorities under the dates you mention are to be found. The Instructions from the Secretary of War of the County Lien to directing the calling out of Scouts is dated the 29 December 1791, and that letter expressly confines their allowance to 5/6th of a Dollar p day in lieu of all charges or expences whatever. The allowance therefore of one Ration per day made by you in addition to the sum stipulated by The Secretary of War, will be deducted from your Payments & you will accordingly receive a credit but for the balance. The allowances at this office have uniformly been confined to the above rate of pay and in no instance whatever have Scouts at the above fixed pay been allowed any thing in addition, either for Ration’s or any other expense. I communicated this information to you that you may be aware of the deduction and take measures for remembering yourself the sums overpaid. I am etc. W.S.