[Copy] War Department, April 8^th 1794. Sir. The Secretary of War has directed me to transmit you the enclosed copy of a letter received this day from M^r Cranch, the Armourer at West Point, dated 3^d instant, complaining of the conduct of M^r Annely the gunsmith — The Secretary begs the favor that you will investigate this business as far as in your power, and communicate the result. Sincerely Yours — [signed] [undecipherable: Stagg Jun^r?] Samuel Hodgdon Esq^r --- [Copy] West Point April 3^d 1794. Sir I expect to forward an account of Guns Pistols and Bayonets in about a fortnight, and hope to go on briskly with the Business the coming Summer if I am not prevented by the ungenerous conduct of those who wish to retard the Public business in this place by influencing my workmen to leave me. I refer in this instance to M^r Thomas Annely whom I employed as foreman of the Shops for some time. He left this place in december, and is now employed by Government in Philadelphia. He has wrote several letters to entice away the People employed by me. — This which is matter of absolute fact, shows him to be utterly regardless of the Public Interest; as he very well knows the great difficulty of keeping hands here, on account of the disagreeableness of the place. — Unless this conduct receives a check; I know not but my hands may be induced to leave me as the City is so much more agreeable to them than West Point. One word from you Sir to Major Hodgdon would settle this matter and confer an additional obligation upon Your Obedient Servant The Hon^ble the Secretary at War. [signed] Joseph Cranch