Burlington, New Jersey, April 30^th 1799 Sir, [Marginalia, left margin, vertical: [undecipherable]] I took the liberty of addressing a Letter to you by Captn. Myers, a few days ago, requesting you to forward the Arms intended for my Company, by his boat. I thought myself justified in this measure, by the Assurances of the Secretary of War on the 22^d Inst, that I should'd receiv'd him prior to the 27^th, and from information that they were to be forwarded under your direction. I have this moment received a Message from Captn Myers informing me that they will not be sent in less than nine days, at which time it is intended to forward the Arms destined for the United States Troops enlisted in this quarter. Confiding in the promises of the Secretary of War, I have ordered a meeting of my Company on Saturday the 3^d May next, and have promised them, they shall then receive their Arms. Disappointment, will necessarily produce disputes [undecipherable] among the men, and embarrassment to myself— I am anxious to avoid. I must therefore beg of you, if possible, to send them home before the 3^d. May next. I have desired Lieutenant Watson, to hand to you this Letter— to take charge of the Arms and pay the expenses of conveying them to this place. I hope you will excuse me for troubling you again in this business. I am with much respect Your Obt Hble Servt Joseph McIlvaine Captn. Burls Volunteers [Colo: Boadgdon—] [Delivered to the Qr. Mr. Genl for transportation on the 6. May—] [[undecipherable signature]] [Address leaf: Philadelphia / Col: Boadgdon / Lieut Watson— / Docket: Joseph McIlvaine / April 30. 1799. / [undecipherable] / Archival stamp: State Dept. / Nov 24 [undecipherable] / R.O. 40130]