War Department of War Philadelphia 28 Jan^y 1799 Sir— On the recommendation of Jos^h Perkins Su- perintendant of Armourers at the Public Works near Harpers ferry in Virginia, I appoint you Master Armourer at that Post the appointment to have retro spect to the twenty third of December last that being the day on which you were engaged — Your Salary as the Law establishes is fifty dollars per Month to which for the present will be added one ration of provision a Day, subject however to such general regulations as Congress may eventually make respe- cting the supply of rations to established Posts — You will immediately proceed to [undecipherable] the Post to and commence your duties — in which, I hope and trust the Interest of the United States will com- mand your whole attention and [undecipherable: more vigorous] exertions