[Ph: Schuyler To Gen^l Knox, April 22 1793—.] Albany April 22^nd 1793— [Sir 1 Inclos.] Inclosed you copy of the Contract I have made with Col Van Reyke to transport the batteauxmen to [transport] the Commissioners and their baggage to Niagara, the three of the [predecessors?] obliged If more time had intervened in which to have engaged the men; or If I could have [stared?] only to have given a longer attention to the business those men might probably have been obtained at lower wages— but as it is, the increase is only half day bread beyond the usual allowance [undecipherable] pounds, and a Substitute of pork & bread. In lieu of, half a pint of rum— from the copy of my letter to Col Fletcher, you will perceive the arrangements I have made relative to the boats & Barge of the Dominion indicated in favor of the 1^st Infantry; and all to be obtained; nor need the utmost great difficulty have [undecipherable] the hired trucks or be conveyed with safety over the portage. The two batteaux as a Substitute will be conveniently and perfectly safer. the force of these is [undecipherable] more for each than [undecipherable] which and for the [undecipherable] smaller Boats, ten Shillings more. Even of the smaller batteaux would have sufficed to [transport?] ten [undecipherable] [undecipherable] but as I was [undecipherable: not desirous] [undecipherable] the builders within able to complete them within the time limited. [undecipherable] I Thought if [undecipherable] builder, especially as the [loss?] on the additional fare boats and prior accomplishments. If they should not be wanted will not exceed twenty shillings a piece,— you will perceive that I have [undecipherable] to pay Col Van Reyke one hundred pounds in [undecipherable] the [undecipherable] I have agreed to pay advances; [undecipherable] but if I have agreed to pay the builders whenever the boats are completed [undecipherable] Van Reyke for the [undecipherable] Several, [undecipherable] mentioned in my letters to him, [undecipherable] will please to furnish me with the money to discharge these claims & [undecipherable] on the [balances?] of the [undecipherable] & pay my bills will suffice— The amount will probably be:— £100— Total V. Reyke on account …… £100— Two Batteaux at £16 …… 32. Eleven go— at £[7.50] …… 82. 10 [undecipherable] besides [undecipherable] and the various as below as [undecipherable] in my letter [undecipherable] Van Reyke will probable amount to about —— £ 104. 10 making a total of —— [undecipherable] £ 104. 10 The [commissioners?] or some other person should [undecipherable] the baggage [undecipherable] to the [Question?] and [undecipherable] and either myself or some other person has appointed to discharge the [undecipherable] work and is [undecipherable] to assist instructed to furnish, that [the undecipherable] I may be discharged from my engagements with Col [undecipherable] Van Reyke, in [undecipherable] of his Noticing. You did not mention [undecipherable] Overseer was to be engaged— but the necessity of one is [undecipherable] was so evidently [undecipherable] home, that I could not hesitate in contracting for him. Indeed the man would not have consented with [undecipherable] person to attend to their concerns.— I cannot most attend both the Batteau, & section matters as President of the [undecipherable] Internal navigation company. It is more than possible that I shall not be had. [undecipherable] the Commissioner [undecipherable] proffer or be capable [undecipherable] commands Should more [undecipherable] batteaux be waited for the [undecipherable] [undecipherable] formed so as [undecipherable] to recommend Indian [undecipherable] letters of [undecipherable] [undecipherable] only For this end [undecipherable] only be requested, should be sent under [undecipherable] to [undecipherable] George [undecipherable] past. [undecipherable] [undecipherable], with directions to forward them home by express [undecipherable]— The Commissioners may helpfully be [undecipherable] from his extra great regard [undecipherable] Your Obed^t Serv^t Ph. Schuyler [Gen^r: Gen^l Knox:]