War Department May 13. 1799. Sir, I have received your letter dated the 4.^th instant, informing me that the Contractor at New Brunswick, refuses to provide quarters &c at two and one half per cent allowance, but will do it, at what he states to have been the former allowance, five per cent. I cannot allow five per Cent, particularly as I have just formed a Contract for Rations, at all and every place or places, where Troops are or may be stationed, marched or recruited, within the limits of the State of Maryland, an article of which provides, "That the Contractor shall provide quarters for the Soldiers or Recruits, that may be at any time, at any Recruiting Rendezvous, where he is required to issue Rations, and also the means of transportation for Soldiers or Recruits, on their removal from the same — and also Supplies of fuel and Straw in quantities prescribed by regulations adopted by the Department of War, with which he will be furnished; and it is agreed that he shall be allowed, on the settlement of his Accounts the monies he shall actually pay for the quarters, and transportation provided, and the Supplies of fuel and Straw, agreeably to the regulation mentioned, furnished by him, and also a Commission of two and one half per Cent, on the monies disbursed, by him for the same." It is proper that the Contracts for this Department should proceed, on the same principles, and be as much as possible equalized. If therefore M^r John Bray shall persist, in his refusal to furnish Quarters &c at the allowance contracted for in Maryland, it may be necessary to direct the Commanding Officer at Brunswick or some proper person, to provide for the accommodation of the Troops, in the particulars now contemplated. I am Sir, with respect Your obed^t. servant, James McHenry [Jonathan [undecipherable] Trenton]