Philadelphia April 6^th 1799 Sir M^r Evans has handed me your letter of this date. He has been employed for many months past, making Charleville Muskets for the United States. The model or pattern furnished under his former contract remains with him and is perfect. The muskets he has fabricated have passed inspection and are highly approved. I suppose these circumstances might be unknown to you. I therefore mention them to know whether another pattern Musket is to be delivered to him unless some alteration in the muskets now to be made is contemplated, perhaps it may not be necessary. I am Sir &c Oliver Wolcott Esq^r Samuel Hodgdon Sir, Philadelphia, 9 April, 1799 Letters received from M^r Mackey this morning can hardly for you promise at Harpers Ferry — The Secretary of War is anxious to find you have not already proceeded there to make your final report on the business of the Canal — He desires me to inform you, that he expects you will go on immediately to prevent a total suspension of the works until more can be [strikethrough: attempted] at the post until it is precisely known when the Canal will run — on its course depends the fate of the buildings to be erected for the accommodation of the workmen — your most ob^d Serv^t James Watson — M^r James Brindley —