War department July 29, 1796 Sir, The Secretary of War has directed me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter respecting the Shot and Kentledge cast by John and Jacob Faesch for the United States, and to inform you that, as you were the person who was fixed upon by all the parties to examine the whole and pass a conclusive judgment, he cannot consent to the appointment of another person to that duty. I am Sir very respectfully Your obed Servant H. [undecipherable] Clk. W. O. Samuel Hodgdon Esq [Postal stamp: NOV 4 B.P.O 401] [Docket, rotated: War Office [undecipherable] / Comptroller to answer / acknowledging the [undecipherable] / [undecipherable] from on / New York]