Sir, W D R O October 10^th 1794 I had the honor to inform you orally, since M[r]. S[undecipherable] had the Sec[retary] of the Treas[ury] had suspended my [undecipherable] [approving?] the most favorable offer for Iron carriage Wheels for the Fortification Cannon upon a consideration of Economy. The question on which he proposed to communicate with you was, whether the expense of Iron wheels had not best be avoided by the Adoption of wooden wheels. As I do not find the communication has been made & the undetermin[e]d State of foreign affairs renders it probable that there cannon may be necessary soon, I beg the favor of your determination. The cost of the Iron Wheels will be between $200 & $600 D[ollar]s according to the accuracy of the estimated weight. The price at w[hic]h. I can contract instantly is less than 88 Dollars. You will oblige me by your determination whether the Fortification cannon shall be first made, or those for the Frigates. The Sec[retary] of the Treasury recently desired that the latter might be preferred, but he did not give me the reason. My opinion is that it will be best to keep the [undecipherable: guns?] for the [undecipherable: Fortifications?], because they may unhappily be wanted sooner, and the frigate guns cannot be put on board till after the last day of delivery for all of the five sixths [parts?] of the 390 # of Cannon, which have been contracted for. I beg the favor of being informed, what proportion of the Cannon to [undecipherable] to be delivered to each of the Naval agents. The Naval agent at Boston offers Kentledge or Iron Ballast upon low terms delivered on the spot free from expense. [The undecipherable] of the Frigates Capt. Nicholson is understood to be satisfied with it. Will you be pleased to inform me whether you approve of its being [undecipherable] as [undecipherable] as it can be procured at Boston? — As Kentledge [undecipherable] none made abroad, for some foreign Ship[s] [of] war, and has [its?] therefore [undecipherable] the [undecipherable]. The drawing in cost & charges appear to recommend the purchase, if the Kentledge is deemed suitable by the Naval Agent & the Commanders. A quantity of foreign Iron Ball was offered upon low terms by the same person. I desired to know whether it was of French or [undecipherable] that its fitness for the service of your Department might be known. Has the Naval agent informed you on this point, while you were at Boston? With great respect I have the honor to be Sir, Y[ou]r mo. Ob[edient] [Enc]^d Office at War, Signed E.R.