[Endorsed on cover: Brother Dayton / 17 Aug. 1799] War Department 17^th. August - 1799 - Dear Sir, I have received your letters, dated Elizabeth Town the 16^th. inst. this morning. It has been contemplated to quarter three regiments, of the troops now raising, in the State of New Jersey, but not decisively concluded on - As however your Brother may have been influenced in his proposals for the Contract to furnish rations for the year 1800, by the expectation that several regiments would probably be kept permanently in that State - I think it proper to mention, That the nature of military service, will not permit such an assurance - That I am informed there are barracks, and other public buildings capable of being converted into barracks, at Carlisle in Pennsylvania, the roofs of which have been lately repaired - sufficient to quarter at least three regiments - and that with the view of saving expence in erections elsewhere - I have directed a survey to be made of them, and a report to me, whether they can at what estimated expence be fitted to quarter troops, and what number for the winter only. When the weather breaks up and the troops can take to tents, they will be ordered to the field, and I suppose it probably, will, more to, and may be con-[undecipherable] [undecipherable] New Jersey [undecipherable] as [undecipherable] position [undecipherable] the [undecipherable] of [undecipherable] I [undecipherable] the opinion of General Hamilton, on certain references to him, previous to a final determination - for you are to understand nothing is concluded as yet, respecting the winter quarters for the three regiments, intended to be placed in one of the middle States - I make this communication to prevent injury to your brother from misconceptions on his part - His offer for supplies, for the whole State of New Jersey for the year 18,00 will be accepted - and as there are provisions in all the Contracts for New Jersey, to annul the existing Contracts on one months notice I shall instruct & Col. V. Rhea to give the proper notice, and at the same time offer for new proposals, for the residue of the year. I am Sir. with great respect, your obed't servant - General Jonathan Dayton Esqr. Elizabeth Town New Jersey.