[undecipherable] War Department Aug 24, 1800 Sir, I have received your [undecipherable] the [undecipherable] of [undecipherable] instant, advising me of your arrival at [undecipherable]. [undecipherable] you [undecipherable] on the Bureau [undecipherable] Furnace, informed them [undecipherable] you had been ordered there. and [undecipherable] you would be [undecipherable], and inspection [undecipherable] become as they [undecipherable] connected with the United State, since the [undecipherable] July 1799. and [undecipherable] the day before the Cannon were to be [undecipherable] had, by making a [undecipherable] them, in order to take the [undecipherable] Cannon, to which you had objected. A proposal like that [undecipherable] by the owner of the Furnace, I have no recollection to have heard of from the Bureau [undecipherable] the furnace, where Cannon have been cast, and proved for the use of the United States. The Contract is silent upon the subject but as [undecipherable] applied, to alter a substitute on my part, to ensure efficient Cannon for the public. [undecipherable] same view I must refuse my consent to have the Cannon bored [undecipherable] if in your opinion it would have [undecipherable] the qua[undecipherable]ital, and consequently the [undecipherable] Plan-ner, [undecipherable] be contrary to the [undecipherable]. His are [undecipherable] import to provid[e] [undecipherable] and missible Ordnance [undecipherable] and best [undecipherable] an Enemy, and not be more dangerous to [undecipherable]. They are designed to be used whenever occasion shall require, and in all seasons, they should therefore stand proof, in order to be [undecipherable] and Winter as well as Summer, and this without extraordinary preparations. You have been furnished with a Copy of the Contract with the [undecipherable] of the Furnace, it must guide you strictly in your proceedings by [undecipherable] Cannon may be [undecipherable] represented again, before proof. the [undecipherable] may of course for this purpose take place immediately. I have no objection, (and indeed it may be [undecipherable]) that you should take to your assistance, in the [undecipherable] a Cannon, either [undecipherable] where [undecipherable] you [undecipherable] upon, or any other qualified Officer. I am Sir [undecipherable] your [undecipherable] Servant Ja[undecipherable] M[undecipherable] [Cap^t. [undecipherable] Elliott 1 Reg^t A[rtillery] & Eng[ineer]^s]