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No. 2.

Extract of a letter from Major General Green to Major General Lincoln, Secretary at War, dated, "Head Quarters, South Carolina," "December 19th, 1782."

"You will see by some of my former letters, that, in con- sequence of your orders, I had taken measures, to provide such articles of clothing as were necefsary to complete the troops with their winter clothing. Mrfs. Banks and Company have furnished most of the articles we shall want, and will provide the rest. Mr. Hamilton, the clothier, had instructions to contract with such as would supply on the best terms, notwithstanding this agreement; but none offer their goods equally reasonable, and yet I think they are high; however, the demand among the planters is so great, that they would meet with a ready sale among them, and at an advanced price. Under these circumstances, contracts cannot be made on the best terms. The soldiers' clothing will amount to about fifty thousand dollars. I have advanced to the officers two months pay, by drawing bills on the Financier, which they will negotiate for clothing or other things, as their necefsities may urge.

"This will swell our drafts; but the peculiar situation of the officers, their long sufferings and distance from home, seem to render it absolutely necefsary; some of the officers talk of sending their