Natchez 1^st February 1799 Sir, I have herewith transmitted a Copy of the Invoice of Clothing & QuarterMaster Ordnance Stores which the late favourable Weather has enabled me to send forward addressed to the acting Deputy Master at Natchez being nearly all the Stores that have yet come to hand destined for the posts on the Mississippi — I expected to have also by this Post transmitted a General return of Stores up to the end of the last year, but have been prevented by want of a report from one of the posts — I observe Sir, on the list of late appointments of Ensigns in Pennsylvania the name of John S Porter who is now employed in assisting in transporting Public Stores to Natchez and whom I presume cannot be inform of his appointment until after his arrival at that place. Notwithstanding I can have no doubt of his Acceptance. I am Sir your obed^t Serv^t [signature: Isaac Craig] Hon^ble James McHenry Sec^y of War