[From Secretary War 25.^th April 1791.] War Department, 25^th April 1791 Sir/ I have directed Clothing to be shipped from New York via Providence, for two Companies — one at Boston, and the other at Exeter in New Hampshire — I pray you to request M^r Hillingsbeat the Contractor, to pay the freight from New York to Providence, and to forward them instantly to Boston, addressed to Stephen Bruce, merchant of that place — I thank you for your favor of the 14^th. Captain Sayre's seems to have been consented to take the Company, but by his letter of the 14^th on the whole he seems to decline it and recommends a Peregrine Foster Esq^r, reason I do not know. It is pretty certain that Lieut Sherman, will not answer for the Company. But there are many old Officers who would be glad of it, belonging to Connecticut and Massachusetts, and of a proper character should not offer Soon, one of them must be appointed — I pray you to urge M^r Sherman and his Ensign to great exertions in the recruiting Service — As the Clothing and money are both now in their possessions, I flatter myself they will obtain their Recruits in a short space of time — I am, Sir, Your most Obed^t Hum Serv^t. [signature] [Col. Jeremiah Olney]