War Department, Trenton, 9^th October 1799. Sir, I received your letter dated the 28^th instant this morning. On the 9^th April last, I advised you that the services of Captain Elliott, who was then with his Company in Northampton County, were indispensable to make drafts for cannon, and to superintend a Laboratory, which it was intended to commence without loss of time, and prayed you to direct Captain M'Fellan or some other Captain of the same Corps, to relieve him. Captain Elliott has since been employed, on the object designated, & for some time stationed at the intended Site for the laboratory, an establishment deemed of primary importance to our Military affairs, and for the Buildings necessary to which, including Powder Magazines, considerable quantities of Materials have been collected as well as some progress made in the erection. I have considered this Officer, and so informed him, to be attached for special purposes which were to be directed by me; that he therefore was for such objects, under my particular orders, and would not be removed without my consent for any other service purely military, nor charged with duties, by his Commanding Officer incompatible with the functions I had assigned him. I mention these circumstances to shew you, that it was natural Captain Elliott should under the impression made upon him, by my communication, and the nature of his employment present, consider it peculiarly proper to make his representation directly to me, exhibiting the number of Men, which in his opinion would be required as a Guard for the public property placed under his care, and to assist in Laboratory preparations — and that he should do so immediately upon being informed the Men already with him were ordered to join their Company, and order to a considerable distance. I enclose a Copy of Captain Elliott's letter to me dated the 2^d inst. at this City, where his solicitude had occasioned him to repair. It details reasons, which he no doubt supposes are founded on military delicacy, as well as others, for wishing that Men of his own Company should be placed with him. If he has failed in respect to his Commanding Officer, or any duty he should have known and complied with, I shall upon your signifying it, should any interference be necessary, do whatever may be proper to prevent aberrations in future. As the only object in view is to obtain a protection to the public property under [undecipherable] care and such a number of Men as may be had qualified [undecipherable] in Laboratory preparations, you will be pleased to direct [undecipherable] to report to [undecipherable] public works upon the Schuylkill and the Officer [undecipherable] his orders from [undecipherable]. I am Sir, with great respect, your ob^t Servant, James McHenry [Major General Alexander Hamilton]