I have to request you will as soon as possible, give me an Estimate of all those things in your Department, (noting the expence of each in the best manner you are able) which will be requisite to enable the Army to take the field and to prosecute vigorous operations, in case the War should continue another Campaign; in this Estimate I would have comprehended particularly, the means of Transportation by land and Water, Viz. Horses & Teams for the Artillery and Baggage, Forage, Wheel Carriages, Artificers, Waggoners, Boats and Watermen: also Tools, Tents, Camp Equipage of all Kinds; and in general every Article that comes properly within your Province.

It is likewise my wish, Sir, that you would exhibit at the same time, a State of your Department annexd to the beforementioned Estimate in such manner, as to Shew at a single view, which of those Articles the public are or may be possessed of, from your present resources; and what specific Articles must be provided by ways and Means which are yet to be devised.

I can scarcely expect your Estimate to be perfectly accurate in all Respects, it will be sufficient for my purpose to have the best calculation you can make, as founded upon the established Allowances, the current Prices, and your own experience. As to the number of Troops for whom provision is to be made, I can only observe, that altho’ in your present Estimate it may be sufficient to include Eight complete Regiments in addition to the force now in this Quarter, yet in case Offensive Operations should be Ultimately Resolved on, a very considerable number of Tents and many other Articles would be required for the Militia that must then be called into Services. I am Sir Your most humble Servant