[pp 112] [169] New York May 9. 1799 Sir Your letters of the 19 & 23 of April have duly come to hand. I [underline: impatiently expect the nomination of your Regimental Staff.] You have been informed that the Bond of your Pay Master must be to the States of America. The daily course of Supplies to your Regiment requires the speedy appointment of your Quarter Master, [strikethrough: the speedy] That of your Adjutant may wait as long as you shall find expedient. I am satisfied with the division you have made for the circle within which your Regiment is to be raised. You have I presume communicated it to Col Hunnewell as a guide in making the division of the residue of the State. If not, you will do it without delay. I am at a loss to imagine why it has happened that I have not as yet received a line from Col [undecipherable] that officer. — The [undecipherable: disposition?] [strikethrough: on your Regiment] of [the] your clothing is left to your own judgment. [strikethrough: Because] Any alterations which they may require must be at the expense of the soldiers. If there was no omission in the copy of my letter, which was circulars, you were invited to give your opinion concerning the fitness of the places mentioned for your Regimental Rendezvous — The reasons for naming Somerset were 1 its vicinity to Rhode Island & to water Communication which will facilitate the transmission of whatever Supplies are to come from a distance 2 Its not being far distant from [strikethrough: the] where it is contemplated that three Regiments will be Stationed for a time. But it is expected that you will inform yourself of the local advantages and disadvantages of the place and [undecipherable] if you judge it inexpedient will suggest a preferable substitute — bearing in mind that a great city is to be avoided & that facility of [strikethrough: undecipherable] access for distant supplies is a material consideration of weight The numbering of the Regiments has nothing to do with the relative ranks of the Command[undecipherable]. With great consideration I am Sir Yr [undecipherable] P.S. Money for the recruiting service of your Regiment has been forwarded to Jonathan Jackson Esq^r Boston who will deliver [strikethrough: the] to your Pay Master upon your order. It is noted that clothing and other articles will speedily be furnished therewith. [strikethrough: You are] If you judge it expedient to begin to recruit before [undecipherable] arrival you will do it — otherwise you will content yourself with having every thing prepared. I understand that Mr. Jackson has been authorized to form contracts for Supplies — communicate with [undecipherable] & see that every necessary arrangement is mature — [Col Rice]