War Department 8^th May. 1799. Sir, I have received your letter dated Hartford 27^th April ult. advising that Anson had contracted with Norman & Smith, for three thousand cartouch boxes, with their belts, agreeably to instructions, at one dollar each — exclusive of the block or wooden part, the first thousand to be delivered in two months, after the Blocks or wooden part, which are to be provided by the United States, arrived at Hartford; the second thousand one month thereafter; the last thousand one month subsequent to the second delivery, so as to complete the delivery of the whole in four months. You inform me that M^r Smith would wish to contract for the whole six thousand cartouch boxes and belts. I had contemplated to have manufactories in Connecticut, but as it was my purpose the whole would be procured more speedily under different contracts I have written to Nathaniel Smith Esquire, requesting he would form contracts for three thousand — which he declines as he has effected — so that at present, it will not be proper to engage with M^r Smith for a greater number than he is now under contract to deliver. I am Sir with great respect your ob[edien]t little servant Jeremiah Wadsworth Esq^r Hartford — James McHenry