Philadelphia, 30^th March, 1799. Sir, The Secretary of War requests me to enquire whether the several articles to complete the three pounder ordnance mentioned in his order to you of the 15^th instant are ready. The Tumbrels are to take the ammunition is with Captain [undecipherable] Detachment and they wish to have them to day — or at least be sure that all is ready — perhaps it will be best to take in the Ammunition making by Sorber on their march, as they go through Germantown, but I again repeat we must know that all is in readiness this day. I am, Sir Tench Francis Esq^r your most obedient Servant — Surveyor — Samuel Hodgdon — Philadelphia 1^st April 1799. Sir, The Cartouche Box which I have had made being approved, from that it will be your wish to commence the contracts for the 20,000. contemplated, as a further supply to the public Store. I shall have 6 more Cartouche Boxes to answer as patterns ready in 2 or 3 days. The woods for the whole number will be supplied from the Public Store, where is a sufficient number properly seasoned. I am Sir your most ob^t Servant Samuel Hodgdon — Sec^y of War.