War Office July 16, 1781

Sir,

The Board have the honor to ___ herewith, an Estimate of the cost of sundry articles wanted by the Geographer of the Southern Army. __ __ have to observe that this estimate has been considerably curtailed and the articles therein mentioned are deemed by Mr. Hutchins ___ necessary to ensure a faithful discharge of the duties of his position.

I have the Honor to be with the highest respect Yr. Excellency's Most obt hble servant

Joseph Carleton

His Excellency

The President of Congress

Having received the special order of congress to repair with all possible diligence to the Southern Army, I am detained here from no other course than the want of a sufficient sum to clear my past expenses in this Town, and join General Greene's Headquarters. Four Hundred Dollars are already due me for pay and subsistence.

    The expenses of such a long journey for myself, one assistant, one servant, one waggon and seven horses are great, and I conceive that after the Payment of what I owe here, it would be ___ in me to undertake that march, without the advance of Two Thousand Silver Dollars.

    I ___ you will report my situation to Congress that they may enable me to execute the orders with wich they have honored me.

I have the Honor to be with Respect, Gentlemen, Your most obedient and very humble Servant,

Tho. Hutchins

Geographer of the United States

Philadelphia 26th July 1781

The Honorable Commissioners of the Federal Treasury