[R] January 10 1795 Sir I am this moment honored with your letter of this date. The Advertisement for the contract represented that proposals were desired for the supply of Rations for the year 1795 — The contract was made as you perceive for that year. — It is therefore clear that its operation commenced on the 1^st instant. — There was no arrangement with the contractors in regard to provisions on hand — I was not authorized by requisition of the War Department nor by precedent, to make such arrangement — It is probable that the late & present contractors will have taken some measures to that end. — I shall communicate to the Sec^y of the Treasury your enquiry relative to the Commissary of Issues — He took some steps in that business but I am not acquainted with them. At present the business is not in my hands. - - - I am, With great respect &^c Signed T. Coxe C. R. [the Sec^t at War]