New York, August 19. 1799. Sir, I have to apologize for not having replied sooner to your letter transmitting one to you from the Accountant of the War Department dated the 5^th Ag. l. D. The affair of Lieut. Leonard stands thus — It having been determined to have his party inoculated for the small pox at Bedlows Island, it becomes necessary to make some repairs to the Buildings there which had been used as Hospitals and Barracks. I ordered Major Hoops to have this done by the Agency of Colonel Stevens. It appears that through misapprehension the Contractor was used as the medium. The mode of settlement for the expenses incurred is explained in the enclosed Extract of a letter from Major Hoops dated the 13^th of July, and Copy of a letter from Lieut. Leonard dated the 17^th of that months. If the quantum be excessive the Contractor is responsible. On the subject of the Barge procured by Capt Ingersoll — I had no previous information from him. But there can be no doubt that some thing of this kind was necessary for the post he commands. It is probable the one procured may have been more costly than was proper. But in similar cases it is not practicable very nicely to retrospect. I think it proper therefore that the expence be sanctioned and adjusted. Considerations of expediency also recommend the ratification of what was done by Captain Gates in relation to the repairs of the Barracks at Castle Williams. It is a just reflection that if the Commanding Officer of every small post or garrison of the Army has an independent power to contract expence in such cases it is likely to lead to a very serious and improvident expenditure. Enclosed is a letter which [strikethrough: also] I have written for guarding against the danger. * With great respect I have the honor to be, Sir, your obed^t. Servant, [signed] A. Hamilton *Letter to guard against the danger, not forwarded. The Sec^y of War. --- Extract of a letter from Major Hoops dated July 13^th 1799. "The Account was presented to me some time since by M^r Richards (signed by Lieut Leonard) for work done on Bedlows Island in preparing the house for the reception of the Men who were to be inoculated. I declined countersigning as from the way of its being made out, That [undecipherable] to in the appearance of deciding on the propriety of several charges of which I was not a Judge. I believe I told M^r. Richards that M^r. Leonard should certify that [underline: such] Articles were received and [underline: such] work done for which I would order payment, and returned him the Account — I at the same time signed Abstracts for the Month May rejecting only the above Account."