[Wrapper notation: letter from the Secretary / Allowance of double rations to / Brig: Gen^l Wilkinson / General Wilkinson / October 9 1800] War Department 9.^th Oct: 1800. Sir, In reply to your question of the 7.^th respecting the allowance of double rations to Brigadier Gen^l Wilkinson, between the date of Gen^o Washington's appointment in 1798 and the 14 June 1800: I answer that I am of opinion that he is entitled so to claim, because he had on the western frontier; a separate command of a great portion of the Army, which I think places him within the intent of the law. On the subject of Major Cushing's claim whilst acting as Brigade Inspector, I can as yet give no answer, the facts as you represent them are not agreed by Gen^l Wilkinson: when those facts are known you shall have my opinion. I am Sir Your Mo. Obt. Ser^t [undecipherable] Signed.. Sam^l Dexter The Paymaster General. [Endorsement on verso: Sec'y of War's [undecipherable: probable reading decision] / that Gen^l Wilkinson was / entitled to double Rations]