Philad: 15 June 1799 My dear friend Your Observations relative to my agents for procuring supplies and superintendent are but too well founded. The [undecipherable] so has so strong a supporter, that I cannot see when or how I can get rid of him. As to the Purveyor, I have for some time been reconnoitring for [strikethrough: an alpertant to him] and actually whose talents [strikethrough: and] found to mercantile knowledge would supply his defects. [strikethrough: from some] Jonathan Williams [strikethrough: d] has appeared to me [strikethrough: better] the best qualified, and I shall not lose a moment to indent him if he will accept of the appointment. The Quarter Master General who is now at Pittsburg ought to be here; he was compelled to go thither to make the necessary [strikethrough: arrangement] dispositions for the Western Army and adjust some private business. I shall write you thence to do it and by next post to expedite his return. I shall as soon as possible give some [strikethrough: undecipherable] consideration to [undecipherable] on the subject of quarters for the Major Generals [undecipherable] the army. Maj: Townsand writes me, as if you had ordered him for the Potomac. He is now employed in carrying out and superintending the construction of works for the defence of [strikethrough: New Port] [strikethrough: Rhode Island] and on and and has to [strikethrough: super] receive and report on [strikethrough: which many he needs any other] the defences of certain harbours in that quarter [strikethrough: who] are all [undecipherable] I presume will find him full employment during the present season. [strikethrough: I see your thought of this matter,] and [strikethrough: change] [strikethrough: his distinction] I cannot supply his place. Will you think of this matter. You will remember that I mentioned to [strikethrough: your after] you some time since that Cap.^t Ellis seems to superintend and conduct a laboratory was indispensable, and that [strikethrough: from his comp] from his comp[any] you ordered him here accordingly. He is to be immediately [undecipherable: as employed?] [undecipherable] a suite having been purchased and all the necessary preparations in train to commence the undertaking. I request you to recur to this subject. Maj Gen Hamilton yours affey.