War Department 25 May James McHenry Recd And directing a settlement of Wm Colfar’s Account as Contractor on the former Rations if actually furnished by him to the time you know he had notice of the deduction War Department 25th May, 1799 Sir I overlooked or should have replied to your letter of the 16th instant sooner. You advice that Mr William Colfax the Contractor for supplying the troops statements at Fort Jay and West Point, has continued to supply rations, at the former legal rate, not knowing before that the component parts of the rations to be issued to the troops, had suffered a reduction by the law of the 3rd March last. Altho it is probable this Contractor, had notice of the reduction, and of the component parts with the alternatives of the ration as now fixed, as well by the publication of the act of the 3rd March last in the News Papers, as by a communication of the same to him, as published by this Department, by one of the Commandant of Posts, to whom it was sent - yet as it may be difficult to prove this satisfactorily, and the attempt, if even successful, might occasion embarrassment to the service, and besides, the periods for which he has so furnished is short, and the difference between the rating extremely minute. It is my opinion it will be best to settle with him on the former ration, if actually furnished by him, to the time you know he had notice of the reduction. Perhaps also, it will be proper, to prevent possible advantages being taken by other Contractors of the public, that you should notify them all without delay, of the ration fixed by the act of the 3rd of March last. I am Sir, with respect, your obedient servant James W Henry The Accountant of the War Department