[Secretary at War] [12] Navy Department 14^th February 1799 — Sir I have a Letter from Sam^l Love, a man very capable of performing any engagement he makes with the Public — dated Salisbury 4^th February 1799, of which the following is an extract. — "Is Government in the purchase of Gun "Powder and Salt Petre — I would contract "for 10600 ℔ of the latter, and from 2000^ce to "4000^ce of the former, to be delivered at Alexandria "or Harpers Ferry, in the course of the ensuing "Summer — will you be so obliging as to let "me know the value of these Articles, and whether "Government will contract for them, or not — "If you are not the proper person to make "this inquiry I hope you will direct it to "the proper Officer." M^r Love desires he may be directed to, near Centerville, Virginia — I have the Honor to be &c