[pg 181] New York April 10^th 1799 Gentlemen In consequence of a letter of which the inclosed is a copy, the arrangement, of which a copy is also inclosed, was made by General Brooks: But you will perceive that it is incomplete, [strikethrough: and regards] in respect to the delineation of the [strikethrough: subdivides] and the fixing upon a place in each for a rendezvous. [strikethrough: to which the recruits [shall] be brought as they are enlisted and where [practicable]] [strikethrough: and when practicable] This place ought to be chosen with [strikethrough: an eye] [strikethrough: attention to the convenient procuring of] to the accommodation of the recruits, [strikethrough: the] to the convenient procuring of Supplies on the Spot, and to the easy conveyance of such as are to be sent there: I request that you will in concert with General Brooks complete the arrangement and transmit me the result. Expecting a more rapide progress on the preliminary measures for recruits, I had recourse to the delegation of Massachusetts. Their ideas will be seen in the extract herewith sent of a letter from Mr. Sedgwick. The [strikethrough: —] plan was [strikethrough: digested] on the date of the Session when there was little time for deliberation, I have [strikethrough: not adopted them] supposed that it [strikethrough: may not] be less perfect than it would otherwise have been — I therefore send it for consideration — to guide but not to govern. It is now essential that all remaining measures preparatory to the commencement of the recruiting Service should be executed with promptitude. I am anxious to receive the nominations of your Regimental Staff. If the consultation desired to be had with your officers towards the selection of a Pay Master should be likely to occasion further material delay, I [strikethrough: rather require you,] request you, that you will yourself name to me provisionally [strikethrough: a person] the [undecipherable] person, whom you think most likely to engage the Suffrages of your officers. [strikethrough: With confidence] He of you, to whose hands this letter shall first come, will be pleased to write immediately to the other on the Subject of it, so as to effect a meeting without loss of time. Should absence or any other circumstance interfere with the speedy consultation of General Brooks you will together make the arrangement without his aid. [strikethrough: With consideration] I am Gentlemen Y^rs obed^t [Colonels [undecipherable] at [undecipherable] April 10. 1799] [L^t Colonels]