which had arisen in the prosecution of the business should have been charged on them, and the whole expenditure adjusted by the Accounting Officer in each Department. If the advances made are not Setled, but Submitted at this time then the Sums expended, Should be embraced by the respective Accounts, and the Amount proved charged to the appropriations which cover the whole Amount. If they are considered as contingent they will be provided for as other Similar Settlements made at the Treasury. It Strikes me however, that both Accounts ought to have been Settled by the Officers with the Army who made the advances, and to whose Department the money received is chargable, as they could best determine the propriety of the Charges and fitness of the vouchers. With these remarks I return the papers for your further consideration and decision. I am Sir Your Mo^st Ob^t Servant Samuel Hodgdon James McHenry Esq^r Secretary of War. Sir, Philad^a 12^th February 1799 I send by the bearer a Common Tent, such as in my opinion ought to be made for the Army. The number to be made is three hundred M^r Moyes the maker of the Tent will produce the whole number in a reasonable time at the rate of Five pounds fifteen Shillings each. If your Canvas is purchased at a better rate than he can procure it, the Tents will come proportionably lower. about thirty yards is in the Tent. You will now Act as you think most for the comfort of the Soldier and the Interest of the United States I am &^c Samuel Hodgdon Tinch Francis Esq^r