The Secretary of War would be very happy to favor M^r Bleights views by granting his request but he does not feel himself at liberty under existing circumstances and the orders to alter in any manner the accounts which has been made of the last weeks Thursday 15 [undecipherable] War Office 19 March 1798 Sir On reviewing the Statement of Materials &c remaining on hand, in the Navy yard at Gosport, I find there is about 18 feet long and two spike of Iron, and as they can be of no use to the Public, but a certain expense I therefore request you will be pleased to dispose of them immediately. I have to request also that you will be pleased to inform me what annual compensation ought to be made to M^rs Morris for her property formerly in possession of the public for a clerks office. I am &c War Office 19 March 1798 Sir The Iron 24 pound Cannon intended for the Frigate United States being unfit for Service in their present State and it being desireable to have their places Supplied as early as possible, I am instructed by the President to Submit to your excellency a request for the loan of thirty the Iron 24 round Cannon which it is understood the State of New York have procured from a Foundery in Connecticut and further to engage to return in as short time should this request be complied with an equal number of new Cannon of the same Calibre and goodness. Permit me to expect an answer to this at