[addressed to: W^m Simmons Esq^r] [Springfield] [Massach^ts.] William Simmons Esq^r Accountant Generals [undecipherable] near Belsh [undecipherable] at [undecipherable] of Gen^l Smith [undecipherable: Maj^r or Mr.] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] 4. 8. 86 — --- Springfield 29 Sep^t 1800 Sir, I have received your favor of the 17^th Ult^o and feel myself greatly obliged by the contents — Having heretofore made pretty free communication to you in conversation respecting the [undecipherable] conduct of the colonel at this place, induces me at this time to make mention to him — It appears by common report that his office has been broken open, and many considerable [undecipherable] committed on the [undecipherable]. The Burglary was committed the or Eight weeks [undecipherable], but was kept a strict secret until within a few days when it leaked out through Gen^t Sheppard — The papers said to be missing relate remarkably to the charges brought against [undecipherable] — indeed to often am reported to have been taken. It appears wonderful that any person should [undecipherable] his life to commit Burglary; his office being kept in his dwelling[house] for a few useful Papers, and it is no [undecipherable] wonderful that they should be able in a dark night, to select from a Cart load of papers, which were found on the floor the next morning, the very documents that were to [undecipherable] [undecipherable] — it is said that a copy of the papers stolen is reflected by work of [undecipherable] — When he [undecipherable] acquainted with [undecipherable] of this wonderful robbery was committed, and the circumstances attending the transaction, I have some doubts whether you will think proper to trust Copies of the papers in his hands, or what may be taken in the same thing, in land [undecipherable] who might think it no harm to do to common them. I cannot but think that should copies be sent in my [undecipherable] hands — The originals, which are the papers I to be stolen, ride by some means on or other be found, and the Copies which I believe none differ materially from them, be so [strikethrough: managed] [undecipherable: interpolated] as to agree perfectly with them — Although I am willing to pledge myself for accuracy the information herein contained — yet for certain reasons I beg you will be pleased to consider it, as in some measure, Confidential — I am Sir with respects yours, Ob^t Ser^t. J. Dwyer [undecipherable] [P.S.] Copies of the rolls will undoubtedly be [undecipherable] at the trial; I [undecipherable] only hint the necessity of putting them in safe hands — W^m Simmons Esq^r.