Sir, T.D. R.O. Aug^t 18. 1794. The five thous Cartridge boxes that were contracted for with M^r Tinsley of Columbia in Virg^a is become an object of discussion for w^h your opinion in writing is requested. It appears that those w^h have been made & offered for acceptance by him are about one sixteenth of an inch less in the bow of the wood than the pattern. But there are circumstances in the appearance of the pattern cartridge box that led to a belief that the wooden part had by some means been changed. And M^r Tinsley insists upon it, that it has been the case; and one whose box was larger than the original exhibited by him put in its place. The proba- bability that the thing may have happened; arises from its having been sent by request of the Secretary of War to two Saddlers shops in Philad^a for the purpose of having patterns taken. — Those which have been offered for acceptance by M^r Tinsley have been tried and admit readily a cartridge made up cont^g an ounce ball. On this, and other circumstances you may satisfy your self further by a conference with Cap^t Tho^s Dott; who is now in town from that place, & was at the time one of the inspectors of the cartridge boxes on behalf of the Government. Your opinion upon due deliberation & enquiry is requested; whether on being satisfied, that the size readily admits a cartridge made up containing an ounced ball, they may be safely received on the contract aforesaid. — I am Sir, y^r mo Ob^d Servant Sam^l Hodgdon Esq^r Signed, Tench Coxe Com^r of the [?] Commissary of Military Stores