[4 Jan^y 1792 Letter Sec.^y at War —] War department 4^th January 1792. Sir I have just received your letter of the first instant, together with the proposals of the manufacturers. As no time is to be lost on this occasion, we embrace the offer respecting the rifle guns at twelve Dollars — You will therefore please to enter into a written agreement with them for Two hundred, returns to be paid for in this city on your certificate of having received one hundred — and ½ to be paid on finishing and delivering each hundred. As you are experienced in this business, I Shall take the liberty of relying Solely upon your inspection and judgment of them — let them be the best arms in all respects, and Such as all men Shall approve. Have a Sample or Standard gun first made as you Shall entirely approve: and let the contract conformto it. Although five hundred is mentioned, I wish the number of one thousand would be made at Lancaster So as all to be delivered as early as possible, not exceeding however the first of May, in parcels of an hundred each. You will enter into "suitable penalties for the non performance on either Side. I have the honor to be with great respect. Sir Your most humble Servant — Knox Hodgdon General Bands