War Department 11^th April 1799. Sir, I have sent by the Stage, a small box, to your address, containing two pattern Cartouch boxes, with their proper belts. It is my intention to have, perhaps six thousand manufactured according to there patterns, in the State of Con-necticut, the blocks or wooden part excepted, which will be provided by the United States. I can, upon furnishing the blocks, get cartouch boxes, with their belts, agreeably to the patterns sent, delivered complete, at about one dollar. Will you be so obliging, as to take measures to procure by contract, or otherwise, for the Department of War, within the State of Conne-ticut, Three Thousand Cartouch Boxes, and belts, equal in all respects to the patterns sent, to be furnished as soon as possible, and, at a price not exceeding one dollar. You will please to cause it, to be clearly understood, by the Contractor, or Workmen that the United States will furnish the blocks, finished and fitted to the Cartouch case, and that the Contractor or Maker, is to fix them, with two screw screw nails, as in the pattern. You will as the articles are finished, have them inspected by a proper person, instructed to receive, only such as in every respect, are equal to the pattern, and draw upon me for the amounts, or advise me from time, to time, what sum or sums, it will be proper for me, to remit, to meet your en-gagements. I pray you, to pardon me, for giving you this trouble, any expense incurred in doing the business will be cheerfully allowed. With very great regard, and esteem; I am Sir your most obedient humble servant James McHenry P.S. It will necessary to restrict the delivery of the whole number of Cartouch boxes &c to some one navigable landing, or port, frequented by vessels, which sail to Philadelphias. Col. Jeremiah Wadsworth Hartford Connecticut.