[undecipherable] [undecipherable] 262 War Office Dec 23^d 1797 Sir/ Mr William Henry son of M^r W^m Henry of Lancaster deceased, has requested that the ordnance and military stores in Lancaster lately in his fathers possession may be delivered to Some other person. I have therefore ventured to request that you would be so good as to receive them of the said M^r Henry on the part of the United States. I have inclosed a return of them as delivered to me which I believe is a just one excepting the Musket Cartridges which were delivered to Captain Casper Shaffner and Cap^t John Sheitler without proper authority. Some decisive arrangement will be made in the ensuing year respecting those Stores probably to sell those which are unworthy of repair and transport the Cannon and durable Stores to Some other Magazine. For your trouble in this business I Shall be happy to make a reasonable compensation on the part of the public. You will have the goodness to inform me of your having received the Stores and of any deficiences there may be, by comparing them with the return inclosed. I have the honor to be Sir With great esteem Yours, Y^r Hum^bl Servant Knox General Steele.