Copy of a letter from the Secretary of War to Ebenezer Stevens Esq^r dated War department 31 May 1799 — Sir I have received your letter of the 25 instant. It was desired by me in a letter to Major General Hamilton dated the 9 instant, that I had desired M^r Francis to inform Col Stevens Sentenced 9 instant, that I had desired M^r Francis to inform Col Stevens that he should be allowed at the Rate of One thousand dollars per annum for his services. I admit that the Storekeeper in this city whose Salary as such is 1000 Dollars had more business to transact and a much greater charge than would fall to your lot. If this compensation should be found inadequate to the services you have been called upon to or may render or the extent of your trouble and responsibility I shall certainly consider it my duty to increase the compensation to what may be adequate. The duties proposed to be required of you by Major General Hamilton are 1^st To receive returns for such military Stores as belong to or as may be wanted for the Army in Garrisons and to make requisitions for the same on the appropriate Officer at the seat of Government and see that these are seasonably forwarded by the Quarter Master General to their several points of destination 2. To procure occasionally such articles as may not be in the public Stores — and who can be best procured at New York under the directions and authority of the Quarter Master General or Purveyor as the case may be and have them transported to the posts or places where wanted. It is understood that you are to have a Store for the safe keeping of the public articles and if necessary to employ a Clerk to be paid by the United States. — Sam S. 49. James McHenry Ebenezer Stevens Esq^r Chy M Jones