[Enter immediately —] I am, Sir, your most obedient Servant— Samuel Hodgdon, James McHenry, Esq. Philadelphia, 12 March, 1799. Sir, As you are shortly to proceed to Harpers Ferry to report further on the business of the Canals, which at present is understood to be cut on the upper levels of the Potomac, agreeable to the drafts and estimates presented by you and approved by the Secretary of War, I have thought it not amiss to call your attention to another mode of accomplishing what the Public have in view, for the purpose only, that if on consideration it should be your opinion that time and expense may be saved, and at the same time the end in view be as well answered, you may make it a part of your report. It appears by the Map that both Rivers near the junction have Islands in them, to which it is probable (Dams may be erected) from the main Shore; if so, may not the water be conducted to the Site of the works by Canals in sufficient quantities and force to effect our object. If it can be done in this way, will not one half of the expense and time at present contemplated be saved to the public? Your estimate I doubt not is as accurate as circumstances admitted, yet I can conceive in a work so vast, and in a region incapable of calculation, a great additional expense both of time and money may be incurred. To put you on your guard, as much as possible while making your surveys I have suggested the foregoing observations not from any intention of interfering with the Instructions you have received for carrying the business into effect. — With respect to Money, if a further advance is absolutely necessary previous to your departure you must address the Secretary of War on the subject— I am, Sir, your most obedient Servant, Samuel Hodgdon. M. James Brindley— Sir, Philadelphia 14 March, 1799. Yesterday your letter relative to the rent of the Magazine occupied by Captain Hendin for the public came to hand. The Secretary of War will make an immediate arrangement for paying the amount due — you will please to stay the threatened suit in consequence of this information. I shall write to Capt. Hendin on the subject as soon as the Report from the Accountant is received — this may be expected to morrow — I am, Sir, your most obedient Servant — Samuel Hodgdon. Robert Gates, Esq. Sir, Philadelphia, 15 March, 1799. I have received your letter and another from Mr. Yates on the subject of Rent due for the Magazine; I have submitted the bill to the Secretary of War, who says it shall be discharged immediately. I have written to Mr. Yates by this post to the same effect and have requested him to stay the suit; the Accountant will probably report to morrow, after which a warrant will issue for the amount. I know not how this claim has become perplexed, but after the payment of the sum now due it will be proper to take measures to understand the