The Women of the New York Regt of Artillery have applied to me on the Subject of allowing them and their Children Provisions.

The number of Women & Children in the New York Regiments of Infantry before the New System of Issues took place obliged me, either to depart from that System and allow them provision or by driving them from the Army risk the loss of a number of Men, who very probably would have followed their Wives—I preferred the former and accordingly directed that the whole of the Women & Children then with the Troops, should be allowed to draw as usual.

So far as the Artillery Regimt was under the same circumstances they are intitled to the same indulgence: but as that indulgence was to remedy, and not to create, an evil—I would by no means extend it to Women who on the prospect of it, have since been brought into Camp—and I would wish you to see that no such do draw Provisions. I am Dear Sir Your [most] Obedient Servt