[Docket: 1^st from Joseph Leacock— 7 Oct^r 1793 A very [undecipherable] man discovered] [· Major Hodgson.] Oct^r 7. 1793 as your being in a public deposite induces me to take the liberty of communicating to you what I accidentally heard a man say of his Skill in the Science of gunnery I was astonished to hear from him what I did hear, repeating his knowledge. he was regularly instructed in the Arsenal of Sweeden (I think he told me) & is perfectly [undecipherable] in every branch I believe. he Says great mischief is frequently done for want of Knowledge, particularly in the construction of the fuses for Bomb-Shells, hand-grenades & other matters - he Explained to me an easy mode of directing a Cannon with [undecipherable] certainly as to Strike the very object intended, even the officers of an Enemy, without ever failing, & many other particulars too tedious to trouble you with - such a one at this time methinks would be Exceeding useful in America. & Sir, Should you incline to see the man I will endeavour to prevail on him to wait on you any time you may appoint - a verbal message or a line directed to me to left with Henry Hiner at the Red Lyon inn at the corner of Brewer - ally in [undecipherable] will be attended to by yours &c — Jos. Leacock