War Department Trenton 3^d September 1799 Sir In answer to your letter of this date, I have to inform you, that Contracts had been made with Nathan Starr, and Mess^rs Buel and Greenleaf of Connecticut, for the manufacture and delivery of a certain number of swords, scabbards, and belts. That by the terms of the Contracts, the swords were to undergo a specified proof, and the whole articles, an inspection, to be made at the expence of the United States. That M^r Orr Master Armourer at Springfield was represented to me, to be a proper person, to make the proof and inspection intended. That in consequence M^r Ames the Superintendant of the Armoury at Springfield was requested, to direct M^r Orr to proceed to Middletown, and also to Hartford in Connecticut, when the Contractors should desire, to prove the swords, and make the inspection provided for by the Contracts. That taking the measure of extra allowance to officers, detached on service, so as to be obliged to incur expence on the road &c by regulations of the 19 December last — I informed M^r Ames "M^r Orr will be allowed for his travelling expences, at the rate of one dollar and a quarter for every thirty miles, and the same for every day, necessarily employ'd by him, in proving the swords, and making the inspection. He will obtain from the Contractors, a Certificate shewing the number of days, he may be so employed." All which might readily have been known, by enquiry at the War Office, without calling my attention from more important subjects, to a written correspondence, when it can, and ought to be dispensed with. I am Sir Your Obedient Servant James McHenry [Will^m Simmons Esq^r Accountant of the War Department]