[3 Jan^y 1799 Wm McPherson] Philadelphia Jan^y 3. 1799 Dear Sir The Secretary at War not having in his possession the Draft you wish to obtain — I applied to Captain [undecipherable] — who after taking some days to deliberate offers to furnish a Plan — with the condition — that a copy shall not be taken of it — for 600 dollars — [strikethrough: As this Sum is infinitely beyond what I supposed he] would demand — I must beg to hear from you — again before I say any thing more to him — it is to be understood, that this Draft is to commence at Sandy Hook — comprehend Amboy, Staten Island, the North River as far as [undecipherable: probable reading Haverink] — from thence to Blackwells Island, with part of Long Island — the Works united — as well as those contemplated by the British during the War, Soundings &c — I shall at all times be happy to receive your commands — and pray you to believe me most sincerely yours. [undecipherable: probable reading Wm McPherson]