[785.] 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 latency of the season, and our destitute state with respect to laboratory Stores, I have conclusion 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, Esqr. Secretary of War. — Philadelphia, 27^th June, 1799. Sir, Bayonet Scabbards under Baron Stueben'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 considered, Crop Belts will 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 kinds, nor indeed can they have. — I wish you to consult General Hamilton in a transient way, and obtain his sentiments on the subject. — The letter of introduction for Leygan, shall be with you shortly. — your most Obedient Servant, Samuel Hodgdon — Col Ebenezer Stevens. — /is. Philadelphia, 27 June, 1799. Before Mr Sinnely left this City he gave his landlord Mr John Taylor three notes for thirty three Dollars and Ninety eight Cents, each, and an order with me to pay them by Stoppages from his wages as they became due — As no moneys passed through my hands the notes remain unpaid — I will thank you to speak to Mr Sinnely on the subject, and with him devise a plan to enable me to discharge such of the notes as are due if he is not able to pay all of them — Mr Taylor calls on me frequently to make enquiry relative to the business, but always behaves like a Gentleman — I have made advances to the extent of your letter to the amount of $17[undecipherable] Dollars, this you will notice as may be convenient — I hope your Canal progresses finely — Mr Brundy supposes the digging when generally begun, easy, if that is the case, I shall soon expect to hear, it is on [undecipherable] — We are beginning a pretty extensive, and of course expensive business here — We have purchased Seven Acres of ground on the corner of Sixth Street, bearing into the Schuylkill for the purpose of building a Laboratory, Arsenal, Magazine, Work Shops, Barracks &c — I think we are in a fair way to melt another hundred Thousand Dollars in this cariage, for the calculation contemplate Substantial, plain and commodious Buildings — I have not kno[undecipherable]