Extract of a letter from Ibraig D.Q.M.G. to the Secy of War dated 26^th Aug 1796 — "On making choice of Grounds on which to erect a Block House & Barracks &c at Le Bœuf, I found the Most suitable of the small squares reserved for Public use connected with two lots in the Town of Waterford, Vit. Lots N^o 37 &38. These lots being offered for Sale at Auction by the Commissioners, to wit, Gen. Irwin & Geo. Willson I applied to them to reserve them for the use of the United States, but was told by them it was not in their Power to reserve any lots that were advertised, but advised me to purchase and said that they had no doubt of the legislature of Pennsylvania's ceding those lots together with the other Squares to the United States on proper application I have therefore to beg your attention to that business — these lots were purchased in my name, Vit. N^o 37. at 135 dollars & N^o 38. at 150. dollars part of which to be paid in three Months. But I presume on application to the Governor the Conditions of Sale will be dispensed with till an application can be made to the Legislature." — Extract from same to same Dated 30^th December 1796. — "My letter of the 26^th August last informed you of my having purchased at public Auction of the Commissioners of the State of Pennsylvania two lots at LeBœuf which I considered essentially necessary for the United States to possess being adjoining and connected with the Grounds on which the public buildings are erected. I presume on your Application to the Legislature of Pennsylvania (which is now in Session) these lots will be ceded to the United States and I have presumed, Sir, that you will make the necessary application." — Copy of a letter from The Secretary of War to "Major Craig" dated Jan^y 10. 1797. "In reply to that part of your letter of the 30^th December ult^o respecting the two lots of Grounds purchased at Le Bœuf I have to observe, that it does not appear to me an object of such Magnitude, as to claim the attention of the "Executive of the United States and the Government of Pennsylvania. You will therefore please to pay the purchase money and obtain a deed in the name of [underline: the President of the United States]." — Extract of a letter from Ibraig D^tQMG to Col^o Hodgson dated Jan 20. 1797. — "I am this moment favored with a letter from the Secretary of War of the 10^th instant which relates entirely to business that must be transacted in Philadelphia. I have enclosed you a copy and have to request your immediate attention to the business, viz to obtain a deed in the name of the President of the United States for lots N^o 37 &38. at Fort LeBœuf now the town of Waterford, County of Alleghany. You will please to observe that on making choice of Grounds on which to erect the public Buildings found it necessary to occupy a part of three lots and therefore at the public sale in Pittsburg on the 15^th August last I purchased them for the United States and informed the Secretary of War of it and expected that on application to the Legislature of Pennsylvania, this ground together with an adjoining public Square would have been ceded to the United States. But for reasons assigned by the Secretary of War this has not been done. It is therefore necessary that you be pleased to make application to Clement Biddle esq. who is empowered to transact the business respecting the sale of these lots, and you will find by the account of sales now in Col^o Biddle's Possession that lot N^o 37. was sold at 135. dollars & N^o 38. at 150. dollars both in my name. As soon as you have obtained a deed you will be pleased to transmit it to me in order that it may be recorded in the proper County." —