[Endorsement on cover: W.m D: [undecipherable] 22 [undecipherable] / Geo. Fleming / rec'd 28 / [undecipherable]] West Point Nov: 22. 1797 Sir, Your letter of the 17^th instant I have received, in which you mention you must be furnished with the Authority by which Hughes was employed in addition to the artificers belonging to the corps at this garrison, before you direct the payment of his account for making iron work for gun carriages. I meant to have put on Hughes's account, and I believe I did, a copy of a letter I received from the Secretary of War, authorizing me to employ a Blacksmith for Colonel Rochefontaine, to assist the artificers of the corps. The following is a copy of said letter — "War Office, Dec. 24. 1796" Sir, Colonel Rochefontaine has represented to me that the further services of a blacksmith are necessary at West Point, in assisting the artificers of the corps, employed in making carriages for mounting the artillery &c. I request therefore that you will be pleased to engage a person in that branch, who is competent to the business. I am, Sir, with respect, Your obt servt. Lt. [undecipherable] Fleming. (Signed) James McHenry I return you the packet of vouchers you returned me, which accompanied your letter to me of the 19 ultimo. I would thank you to let me know if the division I have made is right. — I am, Sir, Your most obt. servant, Geo. Fleming. P.S. The dampness of one of papers in the mail makes the wafers of letters so damp, that inquisitive persons can open the letters & close them again with the same wafer. [Address:] Will.^m Simmons Esqr.