304 Philadelphia 4th Decr. 1798 Sir, Mr. Brindley has gone home, where he will wait for such instructions for the commencing and carrying on the Canal on the Bank of Potomac as you may think proper to give, it seems from every view of this subject, that the work should commence immediately and he prosecuted with the utmost rigor - a great number of Tools must be provided which will consume much time, may not these be estimated and procured. The Plank for Wheeling should be immediately sawed out and here it may not be amiss to mention the propriety of commencing the business of sawing Musket Stocks, but they have a wood called Dog Wood, that Mr. Perkins says will answer better than walnut of any kind, being tougher and more capable of receiving a high polish, this wood may be had in any Quantities and at a low rate, it should be cut immediately and stuck up for seasoning. The proposals of a Mr. Town for erecting the Mill Work & Machinery are before you. He waits to know whether he will be employed, and refuses other engagements until he knows your intentions. A Mr. Stewart who is well recommended for digging the Canal is in the same situation. I have thought it best to mention these things, that the whole business may if so determined best, be put into motion without loss of time. I am Sir Your Most Obdt Servt. Samuel Hodgdon James McHenry Esq Secretary of War