Philadelphia 13^th June 1799. Sir, Your letter of the 9^th was handed me the 12^th inst. As Intendant of the Stores of every description belonging to the United States, I am pleased with such communications as yours, not because the things to which they relate are immediately my duty to enquire into, but because they aid my wishes in a more general way, I mean by putting it in my power to be more useful to the Army, and of course to the United States. You mention you are deficient in your supplies 4 Coats for Serjeants, 12 Camp Kitles, 62 Bayonets scabbards, 10 Cartrouch Boxes and 1 Carleton. The Cartouch Boxes and Canteras were forwarded but lost by the boatmen, for which they are accountable, duplicates will be forwarded to you. On enquiry I find 66½ Yds of Serjeants Cloth was sent to you, a quantity equal (in the estimation of M^r Billington who usually has the Clothing Contract and who is now engaged) to making the 34 Privates & 4 Serjeants Coats ordered. 2¾ Yds Scarlet Cloth, with suitable trimmings was also sent for a musicians Coat. If you have received a Musicians Coat in addition, it is a another mistake in the Store keeper, advise me of this. M^r Francis is ill with the gout when I see him I will communicate what you inform me will be the expence of making the Coats, I have no doubt however but he will acquiesce in your best endeavours and of course I advise you to proceed. No provision you are sensible is made for furnishing linen Vests for the soldiers, however employed or wherever stationed, if they have them, they must pay for them, but I will improve the hint to try if something of the kind cannot be introduced to the next contract for Clothing. Cockades and eagles are providing at public expence, and will be with you soon. The bosom ruffle of a proper kind I think a great addition to the appearance of a Soldier, the thing you mention I have often represented as a Burlesque, I hope it also will be attended to, when more Shirts are contracted for. Inotre your observations for bittering the Soldiers Overalls, the Gathers will effectually remedy the evil complained of, but they must I fear be furnished out of the purse of the wearer. With respect to Cartouch Boxes, a large number are now under Contract, I furnished the patterns, the belts to be 2½ inches wide of substantial leather. Cross belts I contended for, with a plate on the breast, but this was overruled as being too expensive. your observations respecting their poetical uses were not present with me, and therefore were not urged, appearance only I thought would warrant the expence. I shall always be pleased by receiving any information by which the Soldier may be benefited. My motto has always been, make them comfortable, and then oblige them to do their duty. ( With sentiments of esteem I am Sir, your most ob^t Serv^t Samuel Hodgdon Cap^t James Bruff,