War Department September 16^th 1793. Sir, It is the direction of the President of the United States that Magazines and Arsenals be formed at Trenton to consist of Ten Thousand Stand of Arms, and as far as the public stores in this place will admit, of accoutrements for the same; one hundred thousand Flints, one thousand barrels of Powder, with proper threats and musket balls for four hundred thousand musket cartridges. And as soon as the Cannon now in this city shall be mounted, the made thereof is to be sent to the said place. The buildings most suitable for the purpose which can be obtained, are to be immediately hired for this purpose. This measure is to be executed with all the promptitudes the nature of the case will admit — at any rate all the articles in store, are to be transported to Trenton during the ensuing months before the navigation of the river closes. It is not necessary to give particular reasons for this step, but it may be sufficient to observe that the accumulation of so many valuable stores at one point is too hazardous to regard against fire or other accidents. William Knox [&c. has so ver] the public so faithfully under your orders is to be appointed to take charge of said stores in Trenton if agreeable to him, at the rate of four hundred and eighty dollars of annum, all his personal expences included. I am aware that there may not be a sufficiency of powder or perhaps lead to form the magazines here directed — and also that cartridge boxes will be deficient, but measures will be taken to provide whatever may be deficient, g which however you will please to prepare proper estimates. I am Sir, your humble Servant H Knox Sec^y of War Samuel Hodgdon Esq^r