[19 July. Jona: Dayton Rations.] Elizabeth town July 19^th 1799 Dear Sir, My brother Elias B Dayton a Merchant of this place, disposed to offer proposals agreeably to your general notification of the 21 of March last, for supplying all rations which may be required at this post and its vicinity for the troops of the United States, has requested of me some explanatory information which I found myself unable to give him. He wishes to know whether proposals will be received for the supply of rations at any one place in the State, (as for instance, Elizabeth town) or whether they must embrace the whole of the State of N. Jersey as expressed under the ninth article. He requests also to be informed whether it is to be understood that fresh beef, salt beef & pork are to be issued in any certain stipulated proportion, or whether it is to be left to the option of the Contractor, or of the Commanding officer, when and how often each of them is to be issued. As the time limited for receiving proposals is almost expired, you will see the necessity of my asking a very early answer to these questions, that it may be communicated to him in sufficient season for him to decide & act upon it. With sincere esteem & respect I am D^r Sir Your most obed^t. Jona: Dayton Colo: M^c Henry Secretary of War