War Office accompanying B. Hudsons Return Fort Renselaer War Office, June 21st 1797. Sir: From the present view of the subject, it appears to me an unnecessary expence, to the public, to continue any longer, at Fort Rensselaer, and its dependencies, the ordinance, military and quartermaster’s stores, in charge of Mr. Bernherdt Hudson. I have lately received from this person, a particular return of all the public property, for which he considers himself accountable. It is enclosed. I request that you will be pleased to instruct Captain Houdin at Albany,(or any other suitable person) to visit the above places, and minutely examine and inspect, the various articles, reporting to you, for my information, an exact statement of their situation, and whether any part of them would be worth the expence of transporting to Niagara, Albany, or West Point, or of repairing for public use. I am Sir, respectfully, Your obed:t Serv:t James McHenry Samuel Hoodgdon Esq: Sutend:t Military Stores United States