[128] 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 superintendant 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 James McHenry Esq^re Samuel Hodgdon Secretary of War Philadelphia, 13 April 1799. On examination I find we have in Store [undecipherable: probable reading "4610"] or 2610 painted Knapsacks; to which add these under order, say 3500 makes 6410. It will be proper to order 5000 more; I think we will need an over for one year to come. We have also in Store 2100 Woolen Canteens. to complete these to the number of Knapsacks, which ought to be done, we should procure 3310. In round numbers, [undecipherable] hope it will be well to order five thousand painted Knapsacks, and nine thousand Canteens; if the latter no more should be called for than necessity requires, as they injure when they lie in Store, and after a length of time become easily proved that Canteens may be obtained of Good quality and on a low price at and near Boston, where the tin work, as it is called, is carried on very largely. — I am, Sir, James McHenry, Esq^r your most obedient servant — Secretary of War.— Samuel Hodgdon.— Philadelphia, 17 April 1799. Sir, To enable me to pay fourteen Bills drawn on me by the Quarter Master General, I request a warrant in his favour as usual for Nine thousand six hundred Dollars. I am, Sir, James McHenry, Esq^r. your most obedient servant Secretary of War.— Samuel Hodgdon.— Philadelphia, 18 April, 1799. Sir, Your favour of the 15^th instant enclosing a draft on M^r James Miller, Deputy Quarter Master General, came duly to hand. It was paid this morning, and I now enclose a Check on the Branch Bank in your [undecipherable: probable reading "favour"] for one thousand Dollars, being the amount thereof. I saw you yesterday on other business, have nothing to add.— I am, Sir, your most obedient servant, Col. Ebenezer Stevens Samuel Hodgdon New York.—