[Col Rice April 13. 1799 [underline: [undecipherable: probable reading 2 Sheets]] XIV = XV] [Militia pg 203] Boston April 28. 1799 — Sir In compliance with your directions, I have proceeded to complete the division of the State into subdistricts — at least that part of it which constitutes circuit 4 — I have not yet seen Colonel [undecipherable], & that no further delay might take place I entered on the business without him — It will be expected that I have not exactly conformed to the division of the districts which was [undecipherable: probable reading sketched] by General Brooks — But he approves the alterations. — Conforming to the geographical rule, I began at the western extremity of the State to number the districts & subdistricts. The first of which is composed of the Counties of Berkshire, Hampshire, & the lands of Worcester — N^o 2 — of Suffolk, [strikethrough: Norfolk] Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes County, & Nantucket — This mode of division while it includes a pretty equal division of the Inhabitants, [undecipherable] also the greatest possible compactness for each circle. — I have inclosed the distribution, with the names of the principal officers of each subdistrict, & place of rendezvous where he is to reside, & hope it will meet with your approbation — I have not delineated the bounds of each subdistrict, not supposing it necessary, if however you think otherwise I shall do it — In regard to the distribution of Clothing to the Recruits, [undecipherable] economy in saving the expense of transportation, & the danger of loss in distribution would dictate a preference for a regimental depot & [undecipherable: probable reading store] — But I doubt whether the [undecipherable] would be so greatly promoted thereby; as by a prompt issue of the cloaths to the recruits as soon as they are enlisted, this would be attended, with difficulty, as they will undoubtedly need alterations — But the [undecipherable] issue at each rendezvous, must be made responsible to the Pay Master, for the Clothing, & charged with the superintendence of the [undecipherable]. [undecipherable] him [undecipherable] by the Taylors who can be procured most [undecipherable], in each of those Towns — It is not consistent with the Character of a Soldier to enquire of his Superior [undecipherable] the reasons of his orders, I should be led to giving why the regimental rendezvous was assigned so uncentral a spot in the [undecipherable: probable reading State] — I myself happen to be entirely unacquainted with [undecipherable], it can not form an opinion [undecipherable: probable reading favorable] of the eligibility of that [undecipherable] for the accommodation of a regiment with Barracks & supplies of any kind. — I mentioned Sir that the rank of the [undecipherable] commanding [undecipherable], is not designated, by the geographical rule, which has determined the No of those [undecipherable]. [underline: I Shall be abl'd by y^r ideas on this Subject —] No delay need be [undecipherable] in the recruiting [undecipherable] however by my not nominating my regimental [undecipherable]. I hold myself responsible for the performance of the duties of those Officers until I make the appointments — The plan of distributing the [undecipherable] referred to in one of your favours of the 15^th instant is not received & I presume was not inclosed. — I have the Honor to be with great respect y^r very humble Sir [undecipherable: probable reading N. Rice]