Whereas a report has been circulated among the people employed in the united States-factory of Arms near Harper's ferry in Virginia, that John Mackey has contrary to the spirit and object of his Duties, and in violation of the confidence reposed in him, entered into a partnership with Robert Whittet Commissary for the supply of provisions to the aforesaid people; and that, from motives of avarice, and not from a respect to the public Interest he has compelled them to receive rations in lieu of Cash; and further as this report has been the real or pretinded cause of much vexation and discontent, John c Mackey actuated by a regard to public opinion as well as by a wish to remove very unfounded cause of imaginary grievance in the minds of the people employed in the factory, and thereby to restore that good order which it is his desire & his duty to preserve, has appeared before us [strikethrough: the] this day, and made Oaths on the holy Evangelist that he never has had, nor intends to have any partnership with the Commissary aforesaid in the supply of provisions that he has paid him one Shilling of Pennsylvania Currency for every complete ration of provisions supplied, and that he never has received, solicited, or expected, nor intends ever to receive or solicit any profit compensation or reward for having appointed the said Whittet the sole commissary for the supply of provisions— He has further made oath that whatever has been done by him in the adopted mode of supplying provisions, has been done with an Eye to the public Interest, and to this only— John Mackey Robert Whittet has also appeared before us [strikethrough: the] and made oath that John Mackey never has had any partnership with him in the supplying of rations; and that he never has given him, nor promised to give him any compensation or reward in consideration of having been appointed Commissary; and that all the profits or loses arising from the supplying of provisions have and shall rest with himself solely. Harpers ferry March 1^th 1799 Rob.^t Whittet Berkeley County, State of Virginia [strikethrough: to] The above Signee John Mackey & Robert Whittet, Came in person before us the Subscribers, Abraham Shepherd & George North, Justices of the peace, in & for the County of Berkeley aforesaid, and made oath, that the above declaration is Just and True— Given under our Hands this 1^th day of March in the Year 1799— Abraham Shepherd Geo. North