[The Secretary of War is directed, to present to Congress an Annual Account of the expenses of the National Armouries together with an Account of the Arms made, Repaired, at each.] I am Sir &c. M^r John Mackey Samuel Hodgdon Philadelphia 29^th Jan^y 1799 Sir By a letter handed me this day I am informed of the arrival from Hamburgh of twenty five Cases, Said to contain five hundred Muskets with lock mountings, flint ramrods, bayonets with Scabbards, taborers and Brushes & prickers complete, and that they were put in charge of M^r James Watson by M^r Joseph Pitcairn on the 13^th of last Month — The Secretary of the Treasury's letter inclosing M^r Watson's giving the information was mislaid in the War Office and accounts for my not receiving the information sooner. On receipt of this letter, I wish you to apply for the Cases and when in your possession examine them and report their Contents with the order in which they appear. I am Sir Your Most Ob^t Serv^t Samuel Hodgdon M^r Ebenezer Stevens