War Office 28^th June 1797 Sir, I wrote you on the 23^d February Ultimo advising you that orders had been given for a complete Regiment of Infantry to march to Knoxville, without delay to be stationed in that quarter, and requested you to m[ake] efficient arrangements to supply this additional fo[rce] with Rations of Provisions, Forage &c — As it is in urgent cases only that I conceive it proper to direct agreements for Rations, it is to be understood that all contracts made under my orders to meet such exigencies can be valid only till such time as you can receive authority from the Secretary of the Treasury to confirm them. — I have mentioned this circumstance to relieve you from an embarrassment which I understand has taken place on this subject. — I am Sir, with respect your Ob^t Servant (signed) James McHenry David Henley Esq^r [War Office June 28^th 179[7]. James McHenry]