[Secretary at War] Navy Department June 1 1799 — Sir I am applied to, by the Committee of Boston for building a Frigate, for 5000.^℔ℯ of Gun Powder they say none of the best quality is to be purchased — and wish to get it from the Public Store; — To save the expense of transportation from hence — and the necessity of expending money for Powder, when perhaps there may be a sufficient quantity of public powder in that quarter — I have the honor to request, if you have it to spare, that you will be pleased to Send me an order for 5000.^℔ℯ of Powder, to be delivered from Springfield or Boston, to the order of John C. Jones, Esquire. I have the honor