[Copy] New York, May 13. 1800. Sir Enclosed is a copy of a Letter from Colonel Rice relative to an Issue of Cloathing to the Troops under his Command previous to the Expiration of the Year. From the Movements in Congress which indicate a speedy disbandment of the additional Regiments I have not thought proper to issue an Order in the Case without your Sanction. If the Troops should not be disbanded before the Year expires, it is certain they will be in a very naked & distressed Situation, unless Cloathing be issued by anticipation. With great Respect, I have the Honour to be Sir, Your ob^t Serv^t A Hamilton [Sec^y of War] [Enclosure] [Copy] Oxford May 5. 1800. Sir By the Regulations for the Recruiting Service the Soldiers were not allowed to possess any Articles of Cloathing except those furnished by Government. These not being all of the best Quality, when received, cannot reasonably be supposed to be at this time in the most perfect Order. The appearance of my Regiment in this Respect, altho' not greatly inferior to others makes but a shabby Figure. If the new Cloathing is not to be issued to any until the Expiration of a Year from the time of their Enlistment, the Regiment never can appear handsomely clad. Would it not be ultimately Oeconomy, and promote the good of the Service to issue to a Regiment at one time, even before the Expiration of the Year, at least a part thereof, say Hat, Coat, Vest & pr. linen Overalls — these to be worn only when on Duty or for Exercise? It would excite the Ambition of Officers & Men. Should the old Clothes be wholly worn out before new ones are issued, the latter can have no Relief. When men are ordered on Fatigue, I would therefore submit to your Consideration whether it will not be best to issue before the Expiration of the first Year. ustice at least, if not Generosity ought to be done to Officers & men in this Case. If their Cloathing is due before the 1^st of June, let them have it. [J. A.] General Hamilton With the highest R^d. Sig^d NRice [undecipherable]