[298] [Chesley Stevens Esq. W.O. New York] Accountants Office January 27, 1800 Sir I have reced from the Secretary of War and reinst [undecipherable] your letter to him dated the 2^d Inst: accompanied by the account of Abner & Amasa Watson for clothing purchased by you for the Troops, agreeable to instructions from the Secretary of War. The Secretary has also furnished me with a copy of his instructions to you dated 10 July 1799. by which you are authorized to transmit a deficiency [undecipherable] of the proper kind of cloth to make as many Suits for the Artillery Troops at New York [undecipherable] national for the Table as well in the [undecipherable] of Major Genl. Hamilton be invited for the occasion. Before, therefore I can act on the account, I must [undecipherable] with the accounts assertions from Major Genl. Hamilton, by which you were to be guided in this case. Sam'l G. [W.S.] [Brig. Genl. McPherson] January 24, 1800 Sir My letter recd from the Secretary, a copy of which I am informed, has been furnished to you from his office [undecipherable]. I am [undecipherable], that the extraordinary expense incurred for [undecipherable] & [undecipherable] at taverns, on the late expedition to Northampton be [undecipherable] proper account [undecipherable] the precautions usual in such cases. I have accordingly to request that you will [undecipherable] meet with a statement of the particular items, and amount of your charges on that expedition agreeable to the abovementioned letter in order that I may be [undecipherable] to give it the necessary examination. Sam'l G. [W.S.]