[Endorsement on cover:] [undecipherable] / 1799 / [undecipherable] [pg. 153.] Fort Jay, July 2^nd 1799 By reason of obstructions in the Navigation between New York and this Island for several years past, it has been customary in November and December to obtain a depot of provisions on this Island for the garrison in quantity sufficient for a month, more or less. In the beginning of December 1798 upon my order, M^r Smith the contractor deposited here three thousand complete rations, the quantity supposed necessary for the garrison for the month of December. In consequence of part of the then garrison being sent to West Point by your order thro' Major Hoops no more than twenty six hundred and eighteen rations were issued. a surplusage of three hundred and eighty two rations remained being the property of the United States, as the contractor had only received for 3000 at the time of deposit. Major Hoops having taken the command here [undecipherable] the [undecipherable] of last [undecipherable] I reported the circumstances to him and requested to have those rations issued after having obtained the consent of the present contractor to forego the emoluments arising to him of [undecipherable] rations Major Hoops would not suffer them to be issued. I proposed to [undecipherable] to my detachment particular [undecipherable] and [undecipherable] would he take charge of [them?] I request your direction [to?] [dispose?] of them for the benefit of the United States [undecipherable] Frederick [Haye?] Captⁿ. & [undecipherable] [remainder of page illegible]