[Secretary at War / rec^d / Aug 31. 1799] War Department 24 May 1799 I have the honour respectfully to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of the 7^th & 13^th, and also by yesterdays mail one of the 14^th and three of the 16^th Instant. The inclosed copy of a letter to M^r Joseph Williams of Springfield will shew the steps I had Taken, relative to M^r Coltons account, and the order given for its final settlement. I have assurances from M^r Ames that such assistant is no longer necessary. I could not read Cap. Lillis relation of his military services without being sensibly affected. I return his letter agreeably to your desires and hope, whatever you may find best to do for him, will set his mind at ease [undecipherable]. Considering as you have, the weight of recommendations to be in favour of M^r Graves, I have availed myself of your suggestion, and informed him that you had been pleased to appoint him Lt. Colonel. I flatter myself M^r Darling will accept of the majority. It will be necessary that we should establish in the vicinity of this City, a laboratory, and erect a powder house, and ware houses, where we can prepare [strikethrough: and better] wrought ammunition and store in due order and safety these military articles which are constantly wanted for the army. I prefer a position near this City, on account of oeconomy, proximity to this office, and the greater certainty there is of transportation to all points of the union. I expect to have it in my power to procure a piece of ground on reasonable terms either upon the Schuylkil or Delaware well adapted for this purpose, which unless you should direct otherwise I shall cause to be purchased and lose no time in erecting the appropriate buildings. I have the honour to be with the greatest respect Sir. Your most ob^t S^t— James McHenry John Adams President of the United States --- [Copy.] [War Department,] May 20^th 1799. Sir, You were informed by M^r Lewis the 22^d Jan^y ultimo by my Orders that M^r Coltons account was suspended until a proper representation should be made shewing the necessity of his being employed as an Assistant Clerk to the Superintendent during the time specified, and that his charge as [underline: Schoolmaster] could not be allowed. I received last Saturday from the President sundry Certificates relative to his Services which are enclosed. You will therefore proceed to pay him the compensation which he has been promised as [underline: Clerk] to the Superintendent during the time he was so employed. I am Sir, Your obed^t Servant, signed, James McHenry M^r Joseph Williams Springfield