Alexander Hamilton Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Hamilton/01-23-02-0297

From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 22 July 1799

To James McHenry

New York July 22. 1799

Dr Sir

The return lately sent me1 shews strongly the want of system of your Agents. Instead of an equal apportionment, while some Regiments are altogether without certain articles, others have a full or very ample supply of them. This appears particularly as to Muskets, Cartouch boxes, Knapsacks & Canteens. With regard to some of these articles, indeed, I know that orders have been given for supplies which do not appear in the return. But as to others I am not informed of any similar circumstances. I call your attention to these particulars that the inaccuracy may not in the pressure of your business escape your observation.

An apportionment, where all cannot be fully supplied, tends to distribute accommodation & to prevent discontent.2

Yrs. truly

A Hamilton

Js McHenry Es

ALS, St. Croix Museum, St. Croix, Virgin Islands; ALS (photostat), James McHenry Papers, Library of Congress; copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.

2In the margin McHenry wrote: “This not so. His error arises from the articles being forwarded at different times.”

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