Philadelphia 31^st August 1799 Sir, Your letter of the 30^th inst is before me. The Charleville Muskets of the best kind may be furnished for Patterns from Springfield, West Point and Philadelphia, it would be unsafe to rely on any other Posts or deposits for Patterns for at all these places they may be selected officially, and put into a perfect state as they ought to be. I never deliver one for such purposes without having it taken to pieces, examined and cleaned, for the least blemish would be taken advantage of by the eagle eye of the Contractor. General Irvine in a letter reced this morning enquires whether any repairs are to be made on the building at barracks the Raven is wanting, and materials should be provided. Boards Shingles & Scantling must be spoken for some time before they are wanted, not being much in demand they are not kept for Sale as in large Towns. A Militia Man of this City wishes to be employed in making Chassemore Swords he offers to make 400 in 4 months at 7.1/2 Doll each compleatly mounted with Scabbards. he has made many which have been approved, and is well provided, in every respect for the business. I wait to hear what is to be done relative to the Capes, Pistols, and Sword belts; also how the Laboratory business is arranged. The Purveyor keeps close house, I hear little from him. The Guns are all removed to the Dancing Mills, and the two long nine Pounders to the Fort. The Clothing ordered is all gone. Until certain [undecipherable] are brought into the Stores, we can supply no more — we have neither Blankets, Mats, or Woolen Overalls on hand, I hope some are providing. The sickness is yet alarming. 45 deaths in the last 24 hours. Myself and family are very well, and in good spirits. You have made no reply to my letter about the house in Market Street I am Sir, respectfully Your most Ob^t Servant James M^cHenry Esquire Samuel Hodgdon Secretary of War