[8327] War Department, 15^th January 1799. Sirs, I have received your letter, dated Hartford the 8^th Instant, enclosing one from Abel Buel and David Greenleaf, of that place, who have contracted for the manufacture, and delivery of one Thousand swords, with their scabbards and belts, agreeably to patterns furnished, are now ready to deliver the same, and desire they may be inspected, and also that the same Gentlemen would contract for an additional Thousand. You will please to inform the Contractors, that Mr. David Ames superintendent of the Armoury at Springfield, has been directed to require Mr. Ovis a master armorer at Springfield, to proceed, as soon as Messrs. Buel and Greenleaf shall so request, to Hartford, and prove the swords, and inspect the scabbards and belts, to be by them there delivered, and also to mark every sword which is fashioned according to the pattern, free from cracks and flaws, and stand proof with the figures of the year in which it shall be proved. Mr. Ovis report, after he has completed the inspection of the swords &c. will enable to judge of the propriety of a further contract for similar articles. I am Sir with respect, your obedient servant James McHenry Jeremiah Wadsworth Esq^r Hartford.