War Office Nov^r 9. 1795. Abandoning the idea of arming the corps of artillery with pikes after the newest French model, I have concluded to use the barrels and locks already in being, with the bayonets and furniture kept, adapted for the purpose. Let M^r Nicholson make a selection of the fittest materials. I wish to have the arms as good and complete as possible. Five hundred may be the number first attempted. Cannot a portion of them be done at West Point? You will please to state how many may be done at one place & the other, and within what time. Frigates repairs may be postponed. [marginal note: P.S. It is intended that the barrels for the artillery are to be four inches shorter than that of the Charleville musket of the infantry. Col. Hodgdon says there are barrels remanufactures in the corps of artificers who are adept to this work. Samuel Hodgdon &] Your respectfully, your ob^t Serv^t Timothy Pickering