Inclosed is a copy of a Letter from the Commissary of prisoners in Canada, with a certified copy of the account of Cash paid our officers and others prisoners with the Enemy, address’d to Josa Loring Esqr. and delivered to me by Mr Dunant Deputy Commissary of prisoners, requesting a settlement of the same—As the accounts we have against the Enemy for supplies furnish’d their prisoners are unsettled, and the amount of Cash due very considerable, it appears to me the readiest and most equitable mode for the accounts to be lodged in the hands of the Paymaster in Camp, that he should call upon the Prisoners from Canada, by advertisement in the public papers to pay all debts (except those formed upon private contract) into his hands, and the Enemy credited by him for the amount received.

My reason for suggesting this Plan is, that he will have it more particularly in his power, to make such stoppages from time to time in the payment of money to the Officers charged in Account as circumstances in his opinion may justify—If this should not be agreeable to your Excellency and you think it comes more immediately in the line of my duty, I will adopt any plan for the settlement of the accounts which your Excellency may think proper to suggest, observing that the less I have to do with monies belonging to the public the more agreeable. I am Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Servt