[Supt. S. S. Price] War Department 4^th Decem^r. 1800 Sir You will be pleased to inform me of your proceedings respecting a contract for the Supply of Rations in North Carolina for the ensuing year and request that you will conclude one if you shall not already have done it, on the best terms without further delay. The papers sent by you to explain the price of the existing Contract were received during my absence from the Seat of Government and destroyed by fire on the Night of my return, from the representation made to me of them Contain'd by the Chief Clerk of the Department I am satisfied of the adequacy of your Conduct in the transaction. I am Sir &c