Philadelphia 25 Jan^y 1798 Dear Sir On the 23 instant I returned from my Eastern tour, since which General [undecipherable] has mentioned to me your wish of our [undecipherable] the [undecipherable] buildings at [undecipherable] on such conditions as will be beneficial to the Public. The proceeds of the sale of the Stores previous to my absence and the [undecipherable] therefrom [that] the buildings were also [to be disposed of] prevented my entering on the business when you expressed your wishes to me — but for the present the sale is postponed and I find myself at liberty and disposed to treat with you on the subject — accordingly I propose to put you in possession of the[se] buildings you have in view, on condition that you hold them as a tenant at will, and pay such rent for them when demanded as shall be deemed reasonable by judicious Men chosen for the purpose this grant more than is made supposing that Congress may eventually determine so to dispose of them as may make decision here vary, and the latter as a consideration for occupancy — tho' at present I have no reason to believe any such disposition will be made and I wish you to be circum-[undecipherable: situated] as to prevent further depredation to any part of the ruins — will thank you for early information whether the terms proposed are agreeable and if they are at that particular time it will be convenient for you to remove into them — With great regard I am Sir Your most Obedient, humble [signature] Q^r M^r Master General Irvine —