Philadelphia, 3 aug. 1799. Sir, The state of the Gun Manufactory in Springfield requires an additional supply of Gunstocks to carry the business through the winter. Three thousand will do this, and as direct [strikethrough: transportation] is difficult, I think it will be proper to order that number on immediately, that the Quarter Master may have a reasonable time to look out for a conveyance that will land them at the works. the fewer hands they pass through the better, for more or less are injured every time they are handled. The Engine and the Iron with the Gunstocks last forwarded arrived in good order. I have directed Col. Williams to have a leather hose and twenty Buckets made for the Engine immediately. By— I am, Sir, your most obedient Servant, James M^cHenry, 1799. Samuel Hodgdon— Secretary of War.— Philadelphia, 5^th August, 1799.— Sir, I have received your letter of the 31 Ultimo accompanied by your Returns up to the 1^st July. It will be best for you to procure about twenty Buckets and the leather hose to complete the Engine; the transportation of those articles from hence will be equal to half their cost. you can have them made as well and I suppose cheaper than they could be had here. We shall avail ourselves of the first direct conveyance to forward you a supply of Gunstocks equal to your winter consumption. Gun Cases or Chests to hold twenty five each, made of well seasoned Pine boards must be provided for the Arms after your Racks are full— When the muskets are in the Chests should be hooped with good Hickory or white Oak hoops at both ends, and the number and [undecipherable: probable Minus] of Arms marked with durable [underline: blacking] on the ends, that at any moment they may be [underline: ready] for transportation. such Chests cost here about two dollars as piece— I am, Sir, your most obedient Servant Col. Joseph Williams, Samuel Hodgdon— Springfield.— Sir, Philadelphia 7^th Aug. 1799. The Secretary of War directs the inclosed account to be paid by you. The post will be charged with the Stores, and the Officer in charge will receipt to you for them in his returns to you of Quarter Masters Stores under his care.— I am, Sir, your most obedient Servant, Col. John Wilkins— Samuel Hodgdon Q. M. G^r. P.S. Enclosed you have also a receipt for certain deliveries of Quarter Master's Stores to the 7^th Regiment of Infantry, which you will dispose of agreeably to your arrangement for the conduct of your business with the army. S Hodgdon —