Philadelphia 16 July 1799. Sir, Sea coast Carriages are not generally, nor as I believe in any instance made for Guns of less Calibre than eighteen Pounders. Of course I have no Estimate of their Cost by me — Garrison Carriages for this time are said to be sufficient to preserve one. Garrison Carriages for 12 pounders cost from forty to fifty Dollars each, according to the Weight of Iron used on them. Sea coast Carriages now probably cost twice the sum charge for Common Garrison Carriages. I should recommend the Common Carriages in the present instance, because they are cheaper, will answer as well, and their construction more Familiar to the Workmen — Two Ladles, two Rammers and Sponges, two Worms, two [undecipherable] Sheep Skins, two [undecipherable], two [undecipherable] shirts, two Gunners Belts complete, two [undecipherable] Harness [undecipherable], two hundred [undecipherable] for [undecipherable] Ball, and eight hundred weight of Cannon Powder also to be prepared to send from hence for the pieces — your most obedient Servant — Samuel Hodgdon James McHenry, Esq. Secretary of War — Philadelphia, 16 July 1799. Sir, The Secretary of War has informed me he has directed you to remain at the Garrison of Fort Mifflin or Mud Islands in quality of Quarter Master, and Superintendent of Storehouses and Workmen, and to regulate your Returns to the commanding [undecipherable: probable reading Genl.], Superintendent of Military Stores and Quarter Master by such Instructions as you may receive from them [strikethrough: from time to] time to time. He has also requested me to furnish you with the necessary Instructions relative to the form in which you are to keep your Books and Accounts, and the Returns proper to be made to me. In compliance with his request I enclose a Sketch of the several entries proper to be made to enable you to carry into full effect