Philada 27 June, 1799 Sir, I have taken a great deal of pains to get a complete Estimate of the buildings contemplated in the plan shewn you; but finding it will take more time than we have to spare, considering the lateness of the season, and our destitute state with respect to laboratory Stores, I have concluse to but to confine the first operations to the perfecting a Laboratory and Arsenal, and for this purpose I have obtained the enclosed estimate. — The buildings are to be of Brick, elevated about ten feet and a half with Stone, which is Judged essential to their dryness, as well as use in Storing heavy articles. — The commencement of the Work and the manner waits your order. — I am Sir, your most obedient Servant, Samuel Hodgdon — James McHenry, Esq^re Secretary of War. — Philadelphia, 27^th June, 1799. Sir, Bayonet Scabbards under Baron Steuben's regulations have been for a long time out of use in our Army. If the Bayonet is to be always fixed they are in fact useless, for the Bayonet in that case may be kept bright and clean by the Soldier, as well as the Barrel of his Gun; but if appearances are consulted, Belts better wiio be provided, but nothing of this Kind is yet under order, nor have we any Bayonet Scabbards fit for immediate use in Store. The Cartouche Boxes lately in use (Breast) have Frogs fixed to them to receive the Bayonet, but the new side Boxes now making, have no provision of this