War Department, Feb.y 24^th 1800. Sir, Enclosed is copy of an Extract of a letter from Major Rivardi dated Niagara Jan.y 10. 1800, and of a letter in answer thereto from Major General Hamilton dated Feb.y 19^th instant, respecting expences incurred in the transportation of Cloathing for the Garrison at Niagara. Had there been a Regimental Quarter Master at Niagara, or if there was, as there ought to be at each post, when there is no Regimental Quarter Master, a Garrison Quarter Master, such expenditures as mentioned in these letters should be made by them and the [undecipherable] settle [undecipherable] their accounts with the Quarter Master General, the Deputy Quarter Master General, Division Quarter Master, or the Agent of the Quarter Master General at the Seat of Government, as might be directed by the Quarter Master General. I presume however there is neither Regimental or Garrison Quarter Master at Niagara. You will therefore require Major Rivardi to furnish you with the proper vouchers to shew the expenditure in the present case, and [give?] such Instructions as may conduce to an immediate settlement of the Account. Inclosed also is copy of a letter from General Hamilton relative to a charge by Captain Eddin for Quarters while stationed at Richmond in Virginia. I request it may be attended to, and settled, or if any objections which it is exclusively with me to remove, prevent its settlement, to be informed of them. I am Sir, your obed^t. Servant James McHenry [The Accountant of the War Department.] --- Extract of a letter from Major Rivardi dated Niagara Jan.y 10. 1800. "I am sorry to inform you that the Cloathing destined for this Garrison was put in Boats as late as the 7^th of November at Schenectady and with great difficulty conveyed to Oswego — part of the Hogsheads were for two days under water &c &c — Had the person entrusted with that Commission known the impracticability of Water Carriage at this Season he would send Sleighs from Binghams, which would have been the only safe way, and the one which must be adopted now — Our Men suffer greatly, nearly one half are naked — I therefore did not hesitate to contract for the conveyance by land of said Cloathing and took that opportunity to relieve those Men at Oswego by a similar number of trusty Soldiers and one Sergeant, who is perfectly capable of managing the business of transports — The Soldiers from Oswego will serve as escort to the Cloathing which will amount to One hundred & fifty Dollars for the two Sleighs Horses and Drivers. I hope you will approve of a measure which circumstances rendered necessary, — and that you will have the goodness to inform the Secretary of War that I shall draw on him, as soon as the Cloathing is safely delivered to this Post." Major Gen^l. Hamilton. [Reply] Sir New York Feb.y 19. 1800. I have received your letter of Jan.y 10^th and approve of your measures with respect to the Cloathing. Having full confidence in your correctness, I have written to the Secretary of War concerning the payment of the expences incurred in transporting them from Oswego to Niagara. I must however observe that One hundred and fifty Dollars appears to me a very high charge. Drawing for money is to be avoided as much as possible, but when peculiar circumstances render it unavoidable it must be for similar objects upon James Miller Agent of the Quarter Master General at Philadelphia instead of the Secretary of War. With true consideration &c Major Rivardi. --- [Copy.] N. York Feb.y 20^th 1800. Sir, Captain Eddens has sent me a charge which he presented at the Accountants Office, but which was refused to be allowed. It is for the Rent of a Room which he was obliged to hire, previously to the arrival of his Tents, whilst employed in the Recruiting Service. — As Officers are entitled to Quarters this charge appears to me to be perfectly reasonable, and I submit to you whether it would not be proper for you to interpose to have it allowed. — I do not see why it should have been rejected. — With great respect I am Sir your obed^t. Serv^t. A. Hamilton. Sec^y of War.