[undecipherable] War Department March 8^th 1799 Sir, certain inconveniences hitherto experienced relative to the pay of the troops induced me to recommend a [undecipherable] to be adopted in the Bill for the organization of the Army which having passed into a law is now transmitted. As the greatest part of the Army will be on or near the sea board I can perceive considerable advan[undecipherable: tages] of a public nature which would result from the Pay Master General being [undecipherable] at the Seat of Government in respect to the transmission [undecipherable] for the Pay of the troops to his Deputies and [undecipherable] paymasters, to the Officers who may be responsible for the [undecipherable] of money for the recruiting Service, to the [undecipherable] execution of all orders originating in this department or from the General of the [undecipherable], and the prompt settlement of his accounts at the [undecipherable] and fixed periods. If you see the subject in this light you will be pleased to instruct him accordingly. M^r Swan who is the paymaster General is now at [undecipherable] on the Ohio You will necessarily direct him to ap[undecipherable: point] a deputy or deputies for the North Western and [undecipherable] Army and to take the vouchers required by law, to have with him such orders as may be proper and conformable to his powers under the law and his Instructions and having so done to [undecipherable] with all his Books and papers &c to the Seat of Government where he is to [undecipherable] his Office. The Quarter Master General [undecipherable] Colonel Wilkins is about establishing an Office in this City where he will receive, either in person or by his deputy, your orders relative to the transport service and all matters of which he is to be the executive organ. Enclosed is copy of the 12^th Section of the Act for the Organization of the Army which respects this Office. I have the honor to be with great respect Sir, Your Obt. Servant James McHenry Major General Alexander Hamilton