Philadelphia 5 July 1798- Sir I have again looked over the Papers presented by the State of Maryland in support of the claim exhibited against the United States for Muskets and other Military Stores delivered their Militia in the fall of 1794 when marching against the Western Insurgents. The account as stated is founded on the deposition of Peter Engles taken on the 14^th of March 1797 nearly two years and a half the return of the Troops and is not supported by a single document to determine its accuracy or indeed to throw any light on the subject, it only remains therefore to say whether the account thus stated is admissible or not. This I conceive can only be determined by the special order of Congress as no rules or regulations laid down for the conduct of their Accounting Officers can in my opinion warrant the allowance. The zeal of Maryland on the occasion is highly commendable, and every idea of justice and gratitude urges an equitable adjustment of this account so as to prevent their suffering any loss, but without documents this cannot be done; I would therefore suggest the propriety of returning the Papers for the purpose of obtaining more evidence than is at present offered to substantiate the claim, and in the meantime to make an advance to the State of one Thousand Muskets [strikethrough: to such] or the value thereof in money Boxes, in part payment of what eventually may be, [strikethrough: the amount thereby or] [undecipherable] forward &c&c. If this mode is adopted it appears probable the end may be answered in part, and without injury to either party. I am respectfully, Your Most Obedient Servant Samuel Hodgdon James Mc^Henry Esq^r Secretary of War.