I find it indispensably necessary to the public service that a magazine of Provisions should be laid up immediately at the Post of Fort Herkemer; I am therefore to desire you will without delay cause a sufficient number of rations to supply 500 Men for ten Months to be deposited there, the Meat should be either salted Beef or Pork or both and that of the best quality and well preserved; whatever expence may be incurred which is not required by or in conformity to the Contract in laying up this supply must be allowed by the public—and as the exact performance of this requisition will be of great importance you will be pleased to pay the earliest attention to the subject, and inform me with your doings thereon. I am Gentlemen Your most Obedt Servt.