Near Downing's Town, 6^th Oct^r 1797 Sir, I have received your letter of the 29^th of Sept^r Ult^o and 2^d Instant. The new exchange proposed may be to the Interest of the United States. I do not like however to part at present with any of the small iron howitzers, but have no objection to an exchange of our four pounders for M^r Butlers nine pounders. If this is agreeable to M^r Butler, his cannon must be examined within and without, and proven as if they were to be received from the foundery. You will of course call on M^r Da Costa for this purpose, and have it understood that the proving is to be at the risk of M^r Butler. I make this condition because private cannon are generally the refuse of the cannon cast at the governmental foundaries in Europe. M^r Butler it is understood may subject the four pounders to a like examination. I wish to have forwarded for Michilimackinac, by way of Niagara and Detroit 6 iron twelve pound cannon, four nine p^r and two Brass eight & half inch howitzers, with a due proportion of ball shells and Cartridges. The cartridges must be packed in tight casks, and the ball and shells had better perhaps be packed in strong casks to prevent thefts. You will also have transported to Pittsburg, without loss of time four Eighteen Iron pounders, and two twenty four p^r with shot and ammunition, and will give directions to May^r Craig to have wood prepared to make carriages for them, and to have the whole transported to Massac as expeditiously as possible. Has the cloathing for the troops in Tenese been forwarded? Is that for L^t Popes party at Natchez and Cap^t Guions detachment to the same place on its way? If not it ought to be immediately started. You will also pack up complete cloathing for three companies of Infantry and one company of Artillery to be sent to Massac as a deposit. with respect I am sir Your most Obed^t & Hum^d Serv^t James McHenry M^r Sam^d Hodgdon