Sir, Philadelphia 27 November 1798. With this you will recive the drawings and estimates made by M^r Brindley for the proposed Canal or Race through the Public Ground at Harpers Ferry. I have examined the Papers with all the attention, my time and little experience in such business will permit and am clearly of opinion the Canal should be supplied with water taken immediately from the Potomac agreably to the Estimate made on the upper level, because it gives the best room for the contemplated Buildings and because it will be a general accomodation, and of course a part of the expence will be borne by the Company incorporated for making such improvements. M^r Brindley waits your orders before he leaves the City which he wishes to do in a day or two. I am Sir Very Respectfully Yours. Samuel Hodgdon James M^cHenry Esq^r Secretary of War Philad^a 28 November 1798. Sir, I do not know a more suitable person in York to inspect the Arms arrived there than your agent Colonel Stevens— The enclosed draught of instructions for his government in the business is Submitted. I am Sir Your Most Obedient Servant Samuel Hodgdon James M^cHenry Esq^r Secretary of War