[undecipherable] Department of War Jan^y 19. 1793 Sir, M^r [undecipherable] informs me that a large quantity of shot and iron ballast lays on the wharf of M^r Levi Hollingsworth, furnished by this gentleman for the United States, need to be inspected. M^r [undecipherable] observed that a number of the shot were broken & the ballast like honeycomb'd drops. It seems the iron is of a peculiarly brittle quality, and it must be noticed whether the shot have firmness enough for battering — and whether they will not fly into pieces before the intended impression can be made. Some trial of their strength therefore seems necessary before they are received. [As M^r Hollingsworth calls in more money, the Secretary of [War] therefore advises this inspection must be made as soon as it is practicable.] I am your Ob^t. Serv^t. Timothy Pickering Sec^y of War Samuel Hodgson Esq^r.