Letter from the War Office dated 7th July 1791Recd 14th Letter from Genl Knox–dated July 7th 1791Recd the 14th July 1791 War departmentJuly 7th 1791 Sir I have received your letter of the 20th of June, which is highly satisfactory. I enclose you a copy of my last of, the 30th, and also agreably to your request a copy of the contract for provisions. I am decisivly of opinion that the purchase of the pack-horses, is greatly preferable to the hiring of them–Having no doubt on this point from having weighed the subject–I request you, with the approbation of the Commander in Chief and Major General Butler while you are at Fort Pitt, to proceed according. The contractor is to deliver the pro- visions

provisions on the line in which the army [undecipherable] operate–of course he must be at the expected [undecipherable] and trouble of the transportation.– I hope for the public interest, as well as his own, that there will be no deficiencies of his agents from any cause whatever. But in case there should be, I rely upon [undecipherable] you will administer the proper remedies.–[undecipherable] there must not be any interposition on your part unless in cases of extremity, you will then interfere upon the orders of the Commander in Chief–and the advances you make must be settled at the treasury with the contractor according to the contract. I learn that Mr. Wilkie is to [undecipherable] the pack-horses for the contractor, [undecipherable] that he is provided with the means for that purpose. The The price of the ration of forage is fixed by law–On the expectation it will be furnished by the public, or [undecipherable]–In the one case the public will pay for the forage and in the other the officers will be paid by the paymaster. I am highly pleased that Major General Butler entirely approves your conduct–I am persuaded it will be the same with the Commander in Chief and the public. I am Sir,with great esteem,Your most obedt ServtHKnox Hodgdon Esqr The price of the ration of forage is fixed by law–On the expectation it will be furnished by the public, or or not at all–In the one case the public will pay for the forage and in the other the officers will be paid by the pay-master. I am highly pleased that major general Butler entirely approves your conduct–I am persuaded it will be the same with the Commander in Chief and the public. I am Sir,with great esteem,Your most obedt ServtHKnox Samuel Hodgdon Esqr