Philadelphia 4^th December 1798. Sir To discharge my acceptances on seven Bills drawn on me by the Quarter Master General amounting to seven thousand Dollars, and to make payment of sundry Accounts hire a farther Sum of Two thousand Dollars is necessary — Be pleased to Issue a Warrant for Nine thousand Dollars for these two objects chargeable to him as usual. With respect and Esteem I am Sir Your Most Obedient Servant Samuel Hodgdon James McHenry Esq^y Secretary of War Philad^a 4 Dec^r 1798. Sir The first thing to be done to set the business at Harpers Ferry in motion — is to procure the Tools to begin the work for this purpose I enclose an inventory of those first wanted those to be procured here are particularly noted. I am Sir Y^r Most Obed^t Serv^t Samuel Hodgdon James McHenry Esq^y Secretary of War.