Our Lack of Laboratory Preparations
Document 1798Hodgdon worries that no provisions have been made for the buildings or materials needed for the preparation of the laboratories. The lack of all kinds of stores for the magazines will soon be felt if immediate steps are not taken.
Philadelphia 8th December 1798. Sir, I am fearful time is loosing as it respects our Laboratory preparations. No provision as far as I know is making either for Buildings to commence the work or materials of any kind for carrying it on. If the extensive preparations contemplated in the Summer are abandoned will it not be proper to commence the business on a smaller Scale at some of our posts or in some of our Garrisons? The destitute state of our Magazines for all kinds of Stores may be severely felt when there is no time to remedy the evil. I have thought it best to revive the business in your minds, that if necessary and proper it may be immediately commenced I am uneasy under the present situation. With respect and Esteem I am Sir Your Most Obedient Servt. Samuel Hodgdon James McHenry Esqr Secretary of War.
Machine transcription not yet available for this document.