Some complaints having been made respecting the quality of the Beef lately issued to the Troops, and the Contractors (whose conduct has been perfectly satisfactory) having solicited that a Person should be appointed to inspect it in future, previous to delivery—I have therefore this day appointed for this purpose, Majr Henry Wikoff of Fishkill until your pleasure should be known: of which I thought it necessary to advise you by the first opportunity, that he might either continue to act with your approbation, or be superseded by the appointment of an Inspector of Contracts as should be judged most eligible and advantageous to the public Service.

It is incumbent on me to add that, Majr Wikoff (who is a Refugee from New York) is an entire stranger to me. that he views his appointment as P.T. only—that he was recommended by Mr Parker (one of the Contractors) who, himself, previous to the appointment, had condemned a large quantity of Beef wch had been slaughtered and was ready to Issue. I have the honor to be with great esteem Sir Your Most Obed. Serv.