Transcription

Springfield January 1, 1795

Sir

Inclosed you will please to receive a return of articles received expended and on hand for December, likewise a pay roll and Muster roll & estimate for the same month.

If it is your pleasure that I should settle my Accounts for November & December so as to begin the new year Quarterly, wish that you would please to send me one thousand Eight hundred & thirty seven dollars agreeable to the inclosed estimate that I may be able to due it on the Receipt of the money.

I have received no answer to my letter of the 7 of December which was wrote in answer to yours of 27 of November, and wish you would please to inform how you would have me contract with the men in future. you will see in mine of the 7 Ultimo that I agree with you respecting the method of doing the work, and as som of the Mens times are now out, it is necessary to be informed of your pleasure as soon as possible – likewise on the subject of getting parts of the work don on contract out of the shop, and have no doubt from some of it will com lower in that way than it can at present be made in the shop – an Experiment will easley determine it and without any hazard.

I am

Sir

Most devotedly your obedient and very humble servant

David Ames

PS.. We have made three muskets a day the whole of the last month

Honourable Secretary at War