Capt Bruff is recruiting a company ⟨of⟩ Artillery the head Quarters of which is at Baltimore. It is necessary to have the men mustered as they are recruited from time to time ⟨in⟩ order to their obtaining their pay &c. There being ⟨no⟩ officer regularly constituted for this purpose, it appears to me that a the surgeon of the Regiment who is at your post will be the most fit person to perform the duty. Indeed a material part of it, the examination as to bodily infirmities naturally belongs to his Office—and the remainder can be done as an incident, The without imposing any ⟨u⟩nreasonable trouble, especially as the muster rolls ⟨a⟩nd all forms are to be prepared by the Commanding ⟨—⟩ Officer. If he shall under the circumstances ⟨th⟩ink an additional compensation requisite, it will be recommended by me; though I am of opinion that in similar cases little extra duties, involving ⟨no⟩ expence ex where they invoke no extra expence, ⟨—the⟩ and are merely occasional ought to be ⟨p⟩erformed from a spirit of accommodation to the service ⟨wi⟩thout the expectation of additional reward.

You will instruct the surgeon accordingly—

How far is it practicable ⟨f⟩or him to extend his medical care to this company?

I have not heard of Major Ford’s having assumed the command of his batalion—In the ignorance of that fact I address to you this instruction. If he has ⟨—⟩ taken his station, you will communicate it to him.

With consi great consideration I am Sir Yr Obed Ser