[Secretary at War / rec'd [undecipherable] / 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 Cottons 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 L^t 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 store] 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 Schuylkill 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 &c. Your most ob^t S— James McHenry John Adams President of the United States