Trenton, War Department 6^th September 1799 Sir! I have received your letter of the 28^th ulto referring to one of the 27 July last The necessity of first providing Clothing for the twelve new Regiments of Infantry, previous to furnishing additional recruiting parties has been the reason for hitherto not acting thereon. as the wants of those Regiments are in a great measure supplied, I shall give directions [delivered to the [undecipherable] [undecipherable] persons+] to have forwarded to such places as you may point out, [strikethrough: to the Dealer + [strikethrough: [undecipherable]]], the Clothing due for the two Companies of the first Regiment which you propose raising in the States of Pennsylvania and Delaware. I have directed Colonel Stevens to have made immediately Coats and Vests for two Companies of the Second Regiment, and to forward them to such persons (and places as you should designate, and informed him that the articles to complete the suits should be sent to him immediately. Colonel Stevens has also been directed to have Coats and Vests for four Companies of the Third Regiment made immediately, and to send one half to William [undecipherable] Esq^re at Charleston, (and the remainder to Griffith J. McKee Esq^re at Wilmington North Carolina, to be severally subject to the orders of General Pinckney. I will direct the articles necessary to complete the suits, to be immediately transported to those places. I am nevertheless of opinion that very few if any recruits for that Regiment can be obtained in Georgia or South Carolina, as those persons who may be desirous to enlist, will engage in the fifth Regiment, the officers of which most probably possess more influence in those States than those belonging to the Third Regiment. I have no objection to the appointment of Lieutenant Blake and Lieutenant Saidler to be temporary Paymasters, provided you think their Services indispensible as such. This arrangement accords with the general system, but would any inconvenience result from the recruiting officers being charged with the recruiting monies, and supplies? If, however, you determine upon intermediate officers to receive the supplies, and recruiting monies, I agree to the allowance of ten Dollars per month, and travelling expences agreeably to the established regulations. You will give directions to the paymaster General to deliver such [strikethrough: you may] to the persons, appoin[strikethrough: ted] [strikethrough: [undecipherable]] receive it monies as you may think proper for the recruiting service. I have the honor to be, Sir, with great respect Your obedient Servant Major General Alexander Hamilton