[Received from State Dep't. Nov. 24. 1894. R.P.O. 401810.] [Docket:] [undecipherable] M^r. Samuel [undecipherable] [undecipherable] Commissary of Military [undecipherable] Philadelphia Baltimore June 9. 1799 Sir. I find the articles forwarded for my company short of the Invoice, 10 cartouch boxes, 1 Canteen, & 4 artillery Serjants coats; And of the order, 12 Camp Kettles & 62 bayonett scabbards: Incorrect in inserting 3 yds scarlet ratinet, instead of 3 pieces. The other Articles agree, as far as counted & measured — the pieces [undecipherable] packets, it is presumed will [undecipherable] out — Coats are made for [undecipherable] officers — it takes 5 ya[undecipherable] for 3, consequently [undecipherable] for [undecipherable] cloth being of one quality, & the quantity short; [undecipherable: I presume] Serjants were not [undecipherable] the calculation — however, neither coats nor cloth have been sent for them: I am, therefore, deficient of the [undecipherable] Coats — cloth for 4 Serjants, 12 Camp Kettles, 62 bayonett scabbards, 10 cartouch boxes, & 1 Canteen: which I will thank you to forward as soon as possible — the coats for Serjants & Camp Kettles are in immediate demand. The Taylor who makes up the cloths is reported punctual & honest — he says there will be a deficiency of trimmings; however, this can be better ascertained when more are made: I give him 3 dollars p^r Coat, which is 50 cents less than any other (that can be trusted with the materials) or the one who makes the clothing for the 9^th Regiment asked. I hope M^r Francis will satisfy himself that it is as low as they can be done — soon in Philadelphia, & that it is just to make arrangements to pay it, until taylors can be enlisted [undecipherable] to make it at the regulated prices — however, my officers had rather pay the full sum than draw such clothing as have been sent them — With respect to clothing & equipments in general. Is it not extraordinary that blankets [undecipherable] should be sent [undecipherable] officers in summer — or that linen has not been thought proper for men in warm seasons & climates, & other furnished at the public expence — or stoppages out of [undecipherable] men's pay? I observe cotton is [undecipherable] are [undecipherable] to be among my officers — yet none are [undecipherable] — I presume [undecipherable] for it is [undecipherable] their private expence. Mine [undecipherable] requested me to procure linen from the above — it is with [undecipherable] yet it is a frill — the bit of linen at the bosom, they enclose a burlesque on a [undecipherable] — that [undecipherable] might therefore be saved [undecipherable] — for men who have [undecipherable] enough to make good officers, will prove to themselves something more decent & military — The present gaiters are badly constructed about the ankles — the piece intended to cover the thing (a buckle) & to keep out gravel does not set close enough — owing [undecipherable] it's going too far up in a snap goes; if cut in a semi-[undecipherable] — the upper part just at the bond of the ankles, would set infinitely better. Half gaiters with overalls are almost necessary on a march to keep sand & dust from the [undecipherable] foot in warm weather, and to keep it warm in cold — it adds to the appearance, is less [undecipherable] — The [undecipherable] to cartouch boxes are [undecipherable] think — but [undecipherable] is too [undecipherable] [undecipherable] power[undecipherable] badly [undecipherable], [undecipherable] are made & not worn — the leather is too thin & [undecipherable] too narrow to support a [undecipherable] box long; it will hold into a new string [undecipherable] part: But I disapprove of any weight being suffered to press the abdomen; it has a tendency to — and actually has [undecipherable] a number of officers: Instead a substantial X belts [undecipherable] on the breast by a [undecipherable] plate, and [undecipherable] by loops & buttons not only prevents the above; but affords a sort of armour to a vital part — is more ornamental, less oppressive to the officers, and leaves him more at liberty [undecipherable] in every situation. These observations are only intended for M^r Francis & yourself, in [undecipherable] — that if they merit any notice — contracts & inspections may be entered [undecipherable] as far as [undecipherable] possible, for the rest — they may furnish hints; not at present as serious, may be made use of in the august presence of the [undecipherable: God] of [undecipherable: War] — I am Sir, with respect Your Obedient Servant [undecipherable signature] M^r. Samuel [undecipherable] [undecipherable] M^r. [undecipherable] Commissary of Military Stores &.