[7 June 1799 to Inspt Gen Alex Hamilton.] War Dep. 7 June 1799. Dear Sir I have [undecipherable] [undecipherable] your letter of the 5^th inst, and delivered your [undecipherable] [at hand.] Capt Elliott who happened to be [here?]. He has certainly omitted [therein?] what he ought to have done, to answer your letters: it may be however, that he transferred his duty to the officer who succeeded him at Fort Mifflin, When he was ordered to Northampton, and that he has considered himself detached from his command, since the orders you may have given him in conse:quence of my letter of the 24^th of April ults. copy of which is inclosed. You know how necessary it is to have a permanent Laboratory, and a person of skill to superintend and direct all Laboratory preparations. to [undecipherable] about [erecting?] proper buildings for this purpose in the neighborhood of this City, and as Capt Elliott [has?] this skill in an eminent degree it [undecipherable] [strikethrough: for [undecipherable]] I must request you, if it has not already been done, to make such an arrangement respecting his company as to prevent it, as much as possible suffering by his absence. I do not recollect [whether?] I have informed you that Capt Wadsworth is employed by the Secy. of the Treasury to in inspecting the army manufactures to the Eastward under [his?] contracts, and that his services, in this line is still required. Will you be so kind as to take such order in this case also as may be proper. I am Sir your truly James McHenry [Gen Hamilton.]