Philadelphia 10 January 1799. Sir I have received your note of this day. Be pleased to inform the Secretary of the Treasury that we have now in the Public Store in this City under the immediate direction of the Secretary of War Three thousands two hundred and eighty eight Black Walnut Musket Stocks, and that we are in the Receipt of about a thousand every three Weeks from existing Contracts— From this Statement it follows, that on the last of April Eight thousand two hundred and eighty eight Stocks will be in Store of which from present appearances very Small deductions will be made for supplying the National Armouries— I must add, that the whole will not be perfectly seasoned at that time, but a considerable part of them will be then fit for use— Having made this communication, I think it again proper to observe that it is very easy (if circumstances require it) to obtain One thousand Stocks every eight Days— It is well known I have no make Contracts or to interfere with any that are made or making— Since the business of fabricating Muskets has been determined on, a Supply of Musket Stocks equal to the whole number contemplated might have been procured the causes that have prevented it are unknown to me— I am Sir Your Most Obedient Servant Samuel Hodgdon M^r Edward Jones. Pscript. It will be recollected that 2000 Gun Stocks are deposited in M^r Franciscus Store, which are not included in the foregoing Estimate and calculation. S. H.