[undecipherable] War Department, 31^st March [undecipherable] Sir Received on Saturday last your letter of the 20^th inst. Marquees had been forwarded for all the Colonels and [undecipherable] Horsemen's Tents for the [undecipherable: allegions?], they being, by the suitable Arrangement for the [undecipherable: camp?] entitled to [undecipherable: allegions?]. The Clothing will be forwarded immediately. Several Appointments to Vacancies in the new [undecipherable: Regiments?] as well as the appointment of Chaplains, have been suspended in consequence of the [undecipherable] duration of the Army, and a desire connected with this idea, to economize in relation to such offices as might not be considered indispensable to the Organization of [undecipherable] or the [undecipherable]. The circumstance of [undecipherable] from his usual [undecipherable: Attention?] to the [undecipherable] [undecipherable] as [undecipherable] months, has also had its [undecipherable] [undecipherable], as you think [undecipherable: spiritual?] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] to a Soldier than medicine [undecipherable], submit [undecipherable] to the President and [undecipherable] the appointment of [undecipherable] as one of the four Chaplains assigned to the [undecipherable]. Being [undecipherable] by [undecipherable] to [undecipherable] the Canal for [undecipherable]. Marquees being [undecipherable] as soon as [undecipherable]. I beg you to send for a M^r. Sheppard who [undecipherable] the work, to ascertain the number of hands [undecipherable] usefully employed upon it, and the time when [undecipherable] [undecipherable] measured. To take [undecipherable] all [undecipherable] from [undecipherable] [undecipherable] to remunerate them for their Labour [undecipherable] [undecipherable] the [undecipherable] Storekeeper & Paymaster to [undecipherable] [undecipherable] Soldier [undecipherable] is employed, at the Rate of [undecipherable] [undecipherable] a Dollar, per day. I [undecipherable] however they will [undecipherable] no Disinclination to a work which is for a military purpose, and does not differ essentially from digging a Canal to bring water to [undecipherable] or carry it off from a Fortress, or a moat or ditch to surround a Town or Fortification. Some time previous to the [undecipherable: Receipt?] of your letter a person had been fixed upon to succeed M^r. Mackey. I should otherwise have placed the utmost confidence in your opinion of the fitness of [undecipherable] for this Office. I have the Honour to be With great Respect Y^r. Most Obedient [undecipherable] [undecipherable]