[pg 179.] [405] New York April 15^th 1799 Sir As it will require time to form Contracts where there are none already existing, I submit that it will be expedient, in such case, to advance money to some person, to procure them by purchase on account of the Government; where there is no Agent preferred by You the Regimental Quarter Master naturally presents himself, as the person to whom the Service may be committed. New Jersey and Connecticut claim in this respect immediate Attention. With great respect I have the honor to be Sir Your most Ob^t Serv^t, [Secretary at War]