War-Office Dec^r 19. 1798. In answer to your letter of the 16th respecting a sample of muskets for the artillery which might be furnished by putting together materials on hand, as it is not altogether satisfactory, I have desired the [undecipherable] to say whether he can substitute the 800 [undecipherable: pounds?] for the artillery, to 800 common [undecipherable] [undecipherable] he has contracted — or otherwise in addition to those contracts he will make his report when a decision may be made. M^r Emsley was here yesterday insisting that gunflaps are not of absolute necessity and that the muskets are fully efficient without them. I declined ordering any to be made at this time, when the public money is wanted for more pressing objects. Your letter of that date contains a additional reason — that perhaps others might furnish them on better terms. respectfully yours H. Pickering Samuel Hodgdon Esq