I have been honored with your favors of the 4th 5th and 7th instants1—My desire of making myself fully acquainted with the important subject of the last has prevented my answering it before this time—The principle in which you proceeded, of estimating the number of Rations, by the full complement of the Continental Battalions and Corps, was certainly the only true one, and I find that your allowance for the Northern Army will afford a supply for Fort Pitt and the posts in Pennsylvania, altho’ the troops garrisonning them belong in general to the Corps composing the southern Army.2 I have therefore included them in the following estimate, which is as accurate a one as I can at present form.

I have, in making the foregoing calculation, supposed that our whole force in the feild will be employed for the succeeding six Months upon the North River, and have therefore directed all the provision, except what is necessary for the Garrisons and posts pointed out, to be drawn to that point—This cannot possibly occasion much needless transportation in the Article of Meat, which coming almost generally from the Eastward will be so far upon its way should our operations shift to the southward6—It may occasion some difficulty in regard to Flour, but it may be considered, that as the whole of that Article will not be drawn together at once—The Contractor may have sufficient notice to stop sending it this way from Pennsylvania and Jersey should a change of our circumstances or the dispositions of the enemy render it necessary to transfer the weight of the War to the southward. Of the Rations of Meat one fourth part if possible should be salt, and that pork—it keeps better—goes farther—is more healthy and is much more agreeable to the troops than Beef.

I could wish that the very essential Article of Vinegar might be added to the Ration—Its uses in an army are too well know[n] to need reciting—Two quarts to every hundred Rations will be sufficient. And I observe that no provision is made for Salt—of which a considerable quantity is necessary for the use of the Men and for repacking salted provisions—If the Contractor is expected to furnish it—two quarts to every hundred Rations will likewise be the proportion. If the public undertake to purchase or import it—They may be governed by that Estimate.

I do not know whether it will lay with the Board to form the intended Contract—But upon a supposition that it may, I take the liberty to mention a few hints which have been suggested by the Commy General of Issues, and which seem founded upon the experience which he has had of impositions upon the public, for want of proper guards—The quality of the Rum is not spe[c]ifyed—From the allowed price—it cannot be of the best nor ought it to be of the worst kind—we suppose it may be afforded in the following proportions—1/5 Spirits—2/5 West India. 2/5 good Country Rum to be of sufficient proof and gauged when delivered at the Magazine.

The fresh Meat to be delivered at the Weight when killed—The public now lose an immensity by taking live Cattle at estimated weights from the States, and it should be clearly understood that the public are to have the Hides and Tallow—To avoid all disputes as to weight measure or quality, the Contractor should have an Agent with the Army and at the several posts to take proper receipts from the Commissary. The propriety of appointing an Inspector of provision, to prevent disputes between the Contractor and Commissary, is submitted.

I observe that the Estimate which has been transmitted is limited to the present year—consequently we must suppose that all the provision therein specified will be consumed within that term—Now if a new Contract should not be entered into time enough to enable the Contractor to lay in Magazines for the ensuing Winter and Spring, before the obstructions by Ice and bad weather take place, we shall be reduced to the same distresses and inconveniences which we have experienced for several Winters past—There is another essential reason for making the Contracts for the next year as soon as possible—it is to enable the Contractor to lay himself out for salted provision, which he cannot obtain in sufficient quantities except the people have previous notice to put up Hogs and Cattle for salting. It is true that a considerable quantity, and that of the first quality, is often to be purchased out of prize Cargoes, but that is a precarious dependance.7

I must refer you wholly to General Greene for the most advisable Manner of supplying the Southern Army. From my Idea of that matter, it will be impossible, with any degree of safety, to form Magazines of any consequence, while the enemy have the command of the Water and a decisive superiority by land. But General Greene has now become so well acquainted with the Country, and is so competent a judge of the measures which it will be right to pursue, that you cannot receive so good information as from him.

I shall give directions to permit Lt. Colo. Hill to go into New York upon parole.8

I am informed that the Cloathing sent from hence for the southern Army was still in Philada upon the 13th. As those troops must be in the utmost distress for want of it, I beg that every exertion may be made to send it forward.9

By the inclosed Return it appears that Lieutenants Bull—Pemberton—& Meeker and Ensign Reed were intitled to promotion some time before the reform of Spencers Regt—and that they ought, consequently, to be borne upon the half pay list agreeable to the Ranks specified therein. The promotions in the other reformed Regiments were filled up previous to their dissolution—and the Gentlemen in question are intitled to the same justice.10 I have the honor to be with great Respect Gentlemen Yr most obt Servt.