Letter from Peter T. Curtenius to the New-York Congress

v5:204

New-York, March 13, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: Agreeably to your request, we have made a second calculation, and will engage to furnish all the troops that shall be quartered in this city, King' s County, and Fort Constitution, for one year, from the 1st day of April next, at eleven pence per ration per day, provided the Congress will furnish us, at their expense, with sufficient stores at each place, and advance us a sufficient sum to lay in a stock of provisions. The ration to consist of the following kinds and quantities of provisions, viz: One pound of beef, or three-quarters of a pound pork, or one pound of salt fish, per day per man; one pound of flour or bread, per day; three pints of pease or beans per week, or vegetables equivalent; one pint of milk per day, or at the rate of one-seventy-second part of a dollar, or an equivalent in beef, pork, or butter; one quart of spruce beer or cider, per man per day, or nine gallons of molasses per one hundred men per week; half a pint of rice, or one pint of Indian meal, per man per week; three pounds of candles, to one hundred men per week; twenty-four pounds of soft, or eight pounds of hard soap, for one hundred men per week.

As to wood and straw, it is impossible to reduce them into rations; therefore, will engage to furnish them the year round, at twenty shillings per cord, and straw at three pence per bunch, exclusive of the carting, provided it is at your risk, after we have delivered it to the Barrackmaster, whose receipt shall be our voucher. This will be a proper check on us, that we do not charge too much; and, also, a check on him, that he does not give credit for too little. If all the wood was to be delivered at the barracks, and there issued out, we could make a calculation; but, after it is there, it must be carted to the different houses in the town, where the soldiers are quartered, in loads; three-quarters, and half loads; therefore, it would be best that the Barrackmaster pay the cartage, and render you an account of it.

We are, gentlemen, your most obedient servants,

CURTENIUS & ETTING.