[Note from Leacock / 15^th May 1797 / Colonel Hodgdon] May 15^th 1797 Sir having your permission to call this morning for an order on William Nichols for gun-powder for the purpose of adjusting the new Pendulum Powder-proof, it was intimated by the Commissioners that I ought apply to Colonel Hodgdon for Samples out of Several Casks, not only that manufactured in this State, but imported powder, &, in order to Succeed as near as possible, the Samples ought to be taken out of the Casks already proved by Mr. Miffinsmith, & noted in his book, beginning at beyond & in regular Succession, to an hundred & forty yards if Such potent powder is to be had — I talked with Mr. Miffinsmith on the business — he said it might be difficult to find the powder wanted as it might possibly be covered with other Casks, however, that trouble will be dispensed with — he said the powder had been proved more than a year, & possibly at this time it might not prove the Same — But, notwithstanding that may happen to be the case, we wish to try it agreeably to this marks, as this tryal will evince the alteration if any, & will be a satisfaction to the Commissary — Sir in case said Samples do not obtain the different distances required, we wish to be favoured with a more general order at the same time to try powder till the Several Criterions of proofs are obtained — it is a matter of moment to the public & to myself — A very exact account shall be kept of the powder made use of, & Satisfaction made for it — this favor will be remembered with gratitude by Dear Sir yours &c, Joseph Leacock — P.S. Col. Hodgdon Said to me that 80 yards was confirmed merchantable powder — I intreated him to mention this at the bottom of the order I am to call for, otherwise Should the lowest-proof be fixed at 60 yards it may be injurious to the Establishment — I wish the proofs may be properly marked on the machine, & I will do my duty in conformity to the oath of office —— Description of the the new Powder proof — The frame is made of wood — The Pendulum is suspended by axis to the perpendicular piece — at the bottom of this piece an inverted arch, is fixed the upper margin having an edge of Copper fastened on it, Curved & indented with 291 teeth — Length of Pendulum from the [undecipherable], 2 feet 9 inches & 3/4 — weight of Pendulum & its bar 2 pounds — weight of Brass Pistol 9 ounces — Length 38¾ inches — diameter of the bore ½ an inch — the touch holes are small & of exact Size — the priming to be of very small grain, or mealed powder — the Charge as calculated by Mr. Rittenhouse is to be 14 grains of powder, be the grade what it may — the powder is to be nicely weighed — the hollow brass rammer is ½ an ounce, full weight — And here I must note that Mr. Rittenhouse was decidedly of opinion, provided a good ballence could be procured, that this mode of proving powder would be as exact as the hovily or mortar, & less waste of powder — his anxciety for the Success of the new proof induced him to construct a ballence to turn on sharp points with the 500^th part of a grain, intending if health permitted, to attend with the other Commissioners in adjusting the Pendulum & to make use of these Scales on the occasion, But, he has escaped to the mansions of bliss, I hope! however, I have obtained the Same Scales from his Relief, She remembering the promise he under operated in my favor — this ingeneous man examined every part of the apparatus with attention, & not the least fault did he find of it — Doctor Priestly, who is acknowledged to be one of the greatest natural Philosophers of the age, examined the principles of my invention in presence of Mr. Ruffle — Mr. Fox & several gentlemen, who all heard him say it was the best contrivance he had ever seen or heard of in England for the purpose intended — Mr. Rittenhouse & Doctor Priestly were of opinion my mode of equal pressure on the powder by means of the rammer on the charge was a good way, & would be always uniform, & invariably the Same —