[Sir] T D R O July 3^d 1794 The uncertainty & irregularity which has been & may continue to be attendant on our American Commerce, the infant state of our manufactures, with the increased importance of military supplies, appears to render it prudent & necessary that unusual providence should be used in securing with certainty, and even by anticipation whatever is likely to be wanted. I have the honor therefore to request that you will direct an estimate to be made out of all such articles as are likely to be wanted in addition to those ordered during the current year, or so far as may be convenient for twelve months to come. for 1^st Military or Marine clothing, bedding &c for the land forces, marines, or seamen, well wounded and sick. 2^d Hospital stores, furniture, & instruments. 3^d For tents and other camp equipage &. and 4^th For Indian supplies, so far as this can be ascertained or estimated. It is said there are not in New York the largest market for bale goods, any blankets or Strouds; that there is no Wampum to be purchased in any part of the United States; that Russian & flaxen & hempen cloths are universally very scarce, that German Linens & hempen cloths sell in Philadelphia at an advance of fifty per centum on their cost. It appears probable that the universal good employment & wages of the working & labouring people, whose consumption of clothing, bedding, &c is the same as that of a private soldier and whose numbers are manifold greater than that of the military, has occasioned a free use of comfortable and necessary articles. The numerous foreign Emigrants have added to this demand; and unusual exportations to countries which formerly did not require or could not receive such things from hence, has probably had no inconsiderable effect. I request the favor of your desiring M^r Divan[s]ey to call at my Office. If the builder at Boston is determined on the agent will receive from this office some papers and information which will enable him with the builder to contract with advantage for such wooden materials as are offered by M^r C Vaughan. — With great respect I have the honor to be [&c] Sir your most Obed^t Serv^t The Secretary at War Signed Tench Cox Commisst