[8327] War department 5 July 1799 — Sir, It has been represented that the Shoes received under the contracts or arrangements formed by the Purveyor are very indifferent and quickly worn out by the Soldiers. These Shoes cost eighty seven Cents ꝑ pair. In order that a fair comparison may takes place as relative to goodness and cheapness. I send you by this mail two pair of different sizes as patterns and request you will procure by contract or otherwise One thousand pair suitable for the Army on the best terms practicable — I beg you will excuse this additional trouble — I am Sir with great Respect Your obed^t servants James McHenry Jeremiah Wadsworth Esq^r