[25 July 1799 — T. Gen. Hamilton ration] [archival reference notation] My dear Sir I request your opinion, upon the enclosed circular, to the different contractors [strikethrough: for the ensuing and the] for supplying of rations [strikethrough: at] for the present year, predicated upon, the ideas, communicated to me by your letter of the 12^th inst. and that, and your opinion you will return it to me without delay if it, or any thing like it is to be acted upon. Some doubts have rested on my mind, whether such a step, might not injure the business of procuring contracts in future, as a few of the existing contracts for the present year embrace whole States. Re-ceiving however the [undecipherable] contemplated by the contractors generally were upon a smaller scale than that for three collective Regiments, and that neither their means nor arrangements may reach the capacity of the extended supplies, and a disappointment from their failure might be experienced, I have concluded if your opinion continues the same to send a circular to each contractor and to each person from whom I have received proposals under the advertisement of the 28 March ult.. This, the 25^th is the last day, for receiving [strikethrough: per values & especially that as advertised] [strikethrough: proposals, for rations by] [strikethrough: I agree before obtained that it] [strikethrough: for the issued my open — my addition:] must admit, I suppose, of a contract for the purpose, of any extent, from particular posts, to whole States, and any number of the latter, on the Sea board — the same with respect to the western army. I mean, that you should direct yourself [undecipherable: probable reading "wherever"] [undecipherable: probable reading "subjects"] counter quarters [undecipherable] being settled. Jame h. Gen Hamilton