[Copy] [undecipherable] Secy of War March 23. 1799 Number of Reg[t] [undecipherable] pg 31. Circular (62) New York March 23. 179[undecipherable] Sir [undecipherable] is directed that As the recruiting Service intended to commence, it is desireable that the Regimental Staff should be ready to enter upon their functions. The [undecipherable: law?] has not [undecipherable: settled?] the Officers are to be appointed [undecipherable: under?] the new System of orga- nization, and it is a question whether the direct Sanction of the President be not necessary. At the Same time it is [strikethrough: undecipherable] [undecipherable] that these Officers should be designated in the maner heretofore practised. To consider the different considerations — I request [strikethrough: that] That you will, without delay, nominate [undecipherable: two?] first Characters among the Lieutenants for Quarter Master & [strikethrough: Agent] Adjutant. That You will also without delay, convene as many of Your Officers as can expeditiously be Assembled; & that these by plurality of Voices nominate from among the Lieutenants a first Character for Pay Master. It is [undecipherable] to inform you that [undecipherable: those?] confirmed must give bonds in [undecipherable] Dollars with [undecipherable] or more sufficient Sureties; & that the nominations are to be considered only as recommendations. Inclosed is a [undecipherable] of the officers, [undecipherable] to compose your Regiment distributed into Companies 3 they will rank for the present as they are numbered. But in order to a definitive regulation of this point, you will be pleased, in concert with your Majors, to suggest for consideration. Such alterations as from circumstances [undecipherable] may be deemed expedient, with the reasons for those alterations. Many things requisite to a just judgement could not be known when the appointments were made. * [undecipherable] [undecipherable] those suggest, to prevent future discontent must * remain not be [undecipherable]. With great consideration I have the honor to be Y[ou]r Obedt * To prevent future discontent it may [undecipherable] best that [undecipherable] should be observed [Post Script?] to N[orth] Carolina P.S. It is mentioned above, this letter being a circula[r] that the Officers are distributed into Companies — Th[is] however has not been done and I think it best to leave this matter also [undecipherable] to you in consultation with your Majors [Docket:] to Commandants of Regiments / March 23. 1799. / [undecipherable] / 1 Copy N[orth] Carolina 2 The duties to be fulfilled by him cannot be [strikethrough: undecipherable] [undecipherable] by the Commanding General without too much complication and of course, delay, [undecipherable] And [undecipherable] an army commanded [undecipherable] the Inspector General [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] it is doubtful whether he [undecipherable] [undecipherable] by a Deputy Inspector General — [undecipherable] at any rate But it is best for him to begin to exercise [undecipherable] in the duties of his Station. The additional [undecipherable] would [undecipherable] be compensated by the additional advantage. With great re[undecipherable] I have the honor to be [undecipherable] Your Obedt [The Secretary of War]