[Copy] West Point 24 August 1784 S^r I received yours of 8 Instant on the 19, in answer to which, must inform You that i am far from knowing the Situation of the Powder — if the Quarter Master had furnished orders he never let me know them and I never got to do any thing, at the powder till 18 Instant, and can make but slow progress at best, and the only Copper we had is taken fick and have it not in my power to hire One. but I shall make every Possible exertion with the assistance I receive from Major Dang [sic], but am afraid it will be far from your expectations, have seen I many by the Last of Sept know what Damiing powder there is, as it is all in the Magazines on this Side of the river. But I never could get a return of what was in each Magazine so it will be impossible to make an accurate return. the all is examined, and the Season is far advanced, and you must be possible that it is a great undertaking to aer so much powder and repair every Cask before it goes into the Magazine again and it would have been impossible if it was not for the Five Hundred half Barrels which I had made this Last winter and Spring as their is many of the Casks irrepairable and must be made do Again. I will inform you as soon as Possible the State of the Pow[d-]er if not the whole, such part as I shall examine — For Your information I have enclosed a Copy of Gen Knoggs last Orders to me, whereby you will see upon What Orders I have Can be drawn from this Garrison — I am Sir your most Obed^t Humb^le Serv^t William Price [D. Q. M. Store] To Sand Hodgdon Esq^r D. Q. M. Store