War Department Trenton 25^th October 1799 I have this moment received your letter of the 9^th instant containing one to the Pay Master General. I have sent it to him with an earnest injunction that no time be lost in complying with your expectation and desired him to engage an express to carry the money to the appropriate officers should he think it best so to do. It is certainly my wish to keep the troops regularly paid, and to do every thing proper to encrease their contentment and attachment; but I cannot alter the instructions of the Treasury under which the Pay master acts, neither ought it to be expected that I should take upon myself responsibility in making advances which are [strikethrough: opposed] by the laws and their regulations. I have the honor to be with great respect, Sir, Your Most Ob^t Hum^l Serv^t James McHenry Major General A. Hamilton