[undecipherable] War department April 19. 1799 M^r Hodgdon has handed me a list of Articles forwarded [undecipherable] for the equipment of the Galley at Pittsburg previous to its descending the Rivers. I could wish that all requisitions should particularize the number and kinds of articles that are wanted in order that the Purveyor might have the best possible guides in procuring such as are suitable— Your list is very deficient in those respects, — I shall however direct him to make the purchases in the best manner his own judgment or the information of others may enable him. I should suppose that the Cable might be procured at Pittsburg for less money than its cost here and the charges of transportation. I could wish that if the articles are not absolutely indispensible for the Galley that you would not hazard the descent of it by waiting for them — I am Sir Your obedient Servant James McHenry Major Isaac Craig