War Department, Trenton 7^th October 1799 Sir, By the tenth Article of the Contract with M^r E B Dayton for supplying rations to all the militia in New Jersey, for the residue of the current and until the year 1800. it is provided, "that suitable storehouses, posts, proper & convenient, shall be provided on behalf of the Public, for the reception and safe keeping of the provisions, upon such from time to time at such posts, and places, the Contractor shall suffer no loss for want of such stores." The enclosed is a copy from a letter to me from the Contractor dated Elizabeth Town, the 3 instant, in which an application on the subject of stores, for the reception and securing provisions, is introduced to supply the troops at the proposed encampment near Scotch Plains New Jersey. You will be pleased to take under the premises, and if the article, that is suitable for stores, to be erected at the cantonments or stores or in its vicinity, as to your judgment shall appear best. I am Sir with great respect your most obed^t Serv^t Major General Alexander Hamilton. James M^cHenry