Philadelphia 12^th January 1799. Sir The disappointments which are frequently experienced relative to the timely supply of the Clothing annually contracted for, have induced me to suggest for your consideration, the propriety of soliciting an appropriation for two years supply if this can be obtained we shall at all times be able to make entire deliveries to Corps however remote their situation at the time their Clothing becomes due — The contracts usually call for the last delivery of the Articles in the Month of June to give time to send them to their destinations by the first of October the time they are understood to be due — but from a combination of circumstances, which are represented as impairing it often happens that the contracts are not compleated when the Clothing is due, and this brings us so late in the year that it is with great difficulty and accumulated expence that the extreme Posts are supplied — In the mode suggested as a remedy no additional expence to the United States is incurred, it is only an anticipation, which is required, and which I presume may be obtained for so great an Object — With Respect & Esteem I am Sir Your Most Obed^t Serv^t Samuel Hodgdon James M^cHenry Esq^r Secretary of War