M^r Dodridge Crocker Charleston S.C: April 8^th 1800 Sir I duly received your letter dated the 10^th Ult^o with the accounts therein mentioned - Referring you to my letter of the 31 Ult^o containing a sett of the Regulations issued by the Sec^y of War you will find that contractors are positively bound down to furnish the different articles therein mentioned, & expressly forbid to pay money in lieu thereof. It is always understood that when such articles as Straw or fuel are not to be procured by the Contractor, the Soldier or Officer cannot in reason expect it, & that in no instance is the Contractor entitled to pay money in lieu thereof - You will accordingly govern yourself as relates to the question you have put concerning the Straw for Capt^s Fryes company & only furnish the same when it is within your reach agreeably to the aforementioned Regulations - The receipts for the Officers Rations ought certainly to accompany the Returns as vouchers for your issues - Sam H^o W.S.