Having already purchased the land and commenced the works, we have taken the liberty to draw upon you for five thousand dollars in favour of George Sears (one of our Committee) payable in Philadelphia, which we request you to honor. We have further to solicit, that a Credit may be lodged for us for the balance of the twenty thousand dollars (which you have subjected to our order) and it would be a great convenience to us to have it in Baltimore. Having appointed M^r Robert Gilmor, our Chairman, we request, that in future, his Signature you will consider as the Act of the Naval Committee. We are Sir, with great respect, your mo. ob^d Hble servants, Rob Gilmore     Robert Oliver W^m Patterson     Isac Yolktt Mark Pringle     George Sears D Stewart The Hon^ble James McHenry Esq^r     Secretary at War --- Baltimore 6 October 1798 Sir I had the honor duly to receive your letter of 3^d inst. and have to confirm the request Contained in the letter of the