The purchases necessarily made will appear in your Cash Accounts, and the Articles purchased will be found to your debit in your Account of Stores. A Clerk to attend the business generally, and a small store for partial receipts, and deliveries, will in my opinion be necessary; and this I expect the Secretary of War will authorize you to provide. It is of much importance that you commence your business with full information, both as it respects yourself, and the public; it is the reason I have been so particular. In future also on the same subject, when requested, I shall cheerfully communicate. I am, Sir, Your most Ob^t Ser^t Samuel Hodgdon Philadelphia, 3^d June, 1799. Mr John Nicholson, Inspector of Arms &c &c, quests to be furnished with an Anvil about 100 lb. weight; a Bench vise, about 60 lb. weight, and six 12 Inch flat files, two Smooth and four Rough. He says they are necessary to the work officiated to be performed by him. The Vise is in the public Store — the Anvil and files must be purchased and sent there, from whence they will be drawn in the usual manner — James M^cHenry esq^r Sec^y of War — I am Sir, your most Obedient Servant Sam^l Hodgdon —