Sir Philadelphia, 23 Aug. 1799 I still entertain hopes on well grounded information that there will be no occasion to remove any of the Stores if however the measure is [strikethrough: determined] on, I would recommend the removal of the Cloathing and a portion of Stationary only. Every complete suit of Clothes in the Store will be packed up to day and to morrow, and on Monday will probably be on the way to its destination— the parts of Suits will remain to be removed, and these I have directed to put into Casks to be in readiness for removal in case of necessity— If the articles removed are sent to New Castle it will be proper as a previous measure that the Store Keeper should go down to see the place provided for their reception, and to provide quarters for himself, Clerks and labourers. a subsequent measure will be the placing a Guard over the Stores that remain in the City— I am, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, Samuel Hodgdon James M^cHenry, esq^r Secretary of War—