Philadelphia 13^th April 1799 Sir, I have examined the proposed plan for the better arrangement of certain duties relative to the Army about to be raised. With pleasure I observe that provision is made in it for a complete organization of the several parts that are to compose the whole, as they respect the Pay, Provisions Clothing, and Stores of every kind usual and necessary for an army. The Purveyor is to procure all supplies (not immediately contracted for by the heads of Departments) for this purpose three assistants are allowed him, one in each of the three Departments of Provisions, Quarter Masters and military Stores. Assistants well chosen for these purposes, will ensure supplies of the best kind and, what is of most consequence a proper application of those them. A like number of deputies with the Army will contribute to the same salutary effects. The Purveyor and his Deputies are to deliver over what they provide to the Superintendant and his Deputies, the actual custody and issuing to be with the Storekeepers, under written orders of the Superintendant and his Deputies. This is properly calculated to give them a knowledge of the articles provided as well as of the time and manner in which they are disposed of. It affords a perfect check both on the purveyor & storekeepers, and enables the Superintendant, to state with precision the Stores on hand at all times, and in all places. The power given to the Quarter Master, and Inspector General over the deputies of the Purveyor & Superintendant, with the respective Armies to see that they do their duty according to their instructions is judicious, and will have a happy effect in many particulars besides those mentioned. The details of the business enjoined on these Officers are similar to those under a former establishment. It will be recollected that with the main branch of the revolutionary Army, the Quarter Master General, Commissary General both of issues and purchases, the Field Commissary of Military Stores, and a Deputy Pay Master General of the Army always resided, and their duties were the same or nearly so as those specified in the plan. But since the dissolution of that Army, the mode of supply has been different; and for want of suitable accountable Officers, the use or abuse of Stores provided has been pretty much left to chance: the plan now offered will correct this evil. I have always considered it and often reported it as essential to the correct and useful performance of my duty to have principals to all the great Departments with the Army; the plan provides for this nearly in the manner I myself have frequently proposed and if carried into effect, I shall have pleasure in performing the duties expected from me; because I shall be acting on a system over which as superintendent I shall have a real not a merely nominal control. I trust I need not be more particular. I shall close by giving my hearty concurrence to the plan. With sentiments of respect & esteem I am Sir your most ob.^t Serv.^t Samuel Hodgdon [James McHenry Esq.^r Secretary of War] Philadelphia, 13 April 1799