[Letter from the Secretary of War Jan^y 20 1798 & 7)] [stamp] War Office 20 of January 1798 I have received your letter of the 17 instant, enclosing a statement of articles purchased in Decem^r last, and also one other containing a great number of articles required by Capt. Nicholson as cabin furniture for his Ship. I have to desire that no other furniture can be allowed by the public to the Commissioned Officers on board of Ships of War, than what is absolutely necessary to their immediate accommodation on board; and whatever Articles they may want for their own use and convenience must be provided at their own expence. I have therefore to request that you will provide the following only for their accommodation. Viz: Dining Tables Windsor Chairs — 1 accommodation chair 1 Globe Lamp — 2 Coffee Stoves — Should any other arrangement be made, you will receive notice [undecipherable] you of it, and [undecipherable] with good respect your Ob^t Ser^t James McHenry Jon. Jackson Boston. —