[420] Sir, Philadelphia 4^th April 1799. Only seventy six Camp Kettles of Iron and Tin remain in Store — Three hundred Iron Kettles ought to be procured immediately — Suitable Iron is at times difficult to be have, the present is the best season to obtain it — perhaps it may be best to purchase and place in the public Store an additional quantity of Iron sufficient to make three hundred more — both will be a supply for three thousand men — I am, Sir, your most obedient Servant — Sam^l Hodgdon — James McHenry, Esq^r Secretary of War. — Philadelphia 4 April 1799. Among the first articles to be provided for the Laboratory should be the Shot for fixed ammunition in number and size, as follow viz: — 1000 — 24 pounders — 1000 — 12 d^o — 1000 — 9 d^o — 3000 — 6 d^o — 2000 — 3 d^o — They should be perfectly round and smooth for this use, as they are chiefly intended for Brass Ordnance — I am, Sir, your most obedient Serv^t Samuel Hodgdon — James McHenry, Esq^r Secretary of War. —