New York May 12. 1799 Sir [If despatch'd] If you have [strikethrough: fa] not previously been apprised of it, it is proper you should be informed that an Act of Congress [strikethrough: which was passed] of the [undecipherable] of March last. contains the following provisions. Section 19 That a ration in provisions shall henceforth consist of eighteen ounces of bread or flour, or when neither can be obtained of one quart of Rice or one and one half pounds of [undecipherable] or bolted Indian Meal, one pound and a quarter of fresh beef, or one pound of salted beef, or three quarters of a pound of salted pork and when [undecipherable] meat is [undecipherable] at [this?] rate of five quarts for every hundred rations salt at the rate of [undecipherable] pounds and [undecipherable] candles at the rate of a pound and a half per one hundred rations, Provided always that there shall be no diminution of the rations to which any of the troops now so [enrolled?] may be entitled by the terms of their enlistment Section XXII That it [undecipherable: may/shall] be lawful for the Commanding Officer of the Army, or the Commanding Officer of any separate detachment or garrison thereof, at his discretion to cause [undecipherable] from time to time to the troops [undecipherable] out of such supplies as shall have been provided for the purpose, [wine?], [whisky?] or a [undecipherable] ardent spirits not exceeding half a gill to each man per day, except [undecipherable] on [undecipherable] fatigue, [undecipherable] or other extraordinary occasions, and that [undecipherable] supplies [undecipherable] on [undecipherable] [undecipherable] shall be [undecipherable] to the troops [undecipherable] at the rate of two quarts for every hundred rations, [These?] provisions are of course [to?] govern your future [undecipherable]. But as the [undecipherable] with regard to troops who may have enlisted [strikethrough: under a different] the Stipulation of a different [strikethrough: allowance] may require [a?] reinspection in the [appro-?] of the new rule [strikethrough: undecipherable] the Commanding Officer must concert with you this application. This information I am &c Your Obedient [Servant?] James O'Hara Esq. Contractor Pittsburg