War Office February 7^th 1787 [To] I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency's two favors of the 21 of November and the 26 January, the latter enclosing a list of the officers appointed to command the quota of New Hampshire. There having been no Congress for about three months past, those measures than were directed on the 21 of October for the establishment of the troops could not be forwarded by the board of treasury within the approbation of Congress. This circumstance has almost entirely retarded the commencement of the recruiting service excepting in Connecticut and Massachusetts, in which a little money has been supplied for the purpose of recruiting. There have been proposals for certain ranks for all the objects of the troops. But the terms are of such a nature as to require the decision of Congress thereon. As this honorable body has been but recently organized, the subject has not yet been discussed. It is probable however that their opinion and the result will be known in ten or fifteen days. If the contracts alluded to should take place, the troops will probably for a certain time be well furnished, if they do not, it will be difficult for the treasury board to fund the ways and means to furnish the pay, clothing, subsistence and transportation of the troops in any tolerable manner. I shall therefore find myself restrained from giving Major Cass any orders until the event of the proposed contracts is determined. The arms and accoutrements for Major Cass's corps are in Boston in the care of Colonel Frothm, As soon as suitable provisions can be made for commencing the recruiting service in New Hampshire, they shall be forwarded to Major Cass. The commissions will be made out presented to the President of Congress for his signature, and when completed, shall be forwarded to your Excellency. I have the honor to be With the highest respect Your Excellency's Most obedient servant H Knox His Excellency President Sullivan