Mr. James Byers 26 Jany 1800 Recd 31 [Jan.] Springfield Jan. 26 Paid 17 Samuel Hodgdon Esqr Philadelphia [modern pencil: 15 in a circle] [modern stamp: Received from State Dep’t. Nov.24.1894. R.P.O. 410310] Springfield Jany 26th 1800 Sir [modern ink stamp: Received from State Dep’t. Nov.24.1894 R.P.O. 410310.] Your candour candaore I hope will Excuse a few lines addressed to you on the Subject of a national foundrey for brass cannon. If the public should have it in contemplation to establish a work of this kind, the Eligable Situation of Springfield for this purpose I Expect is well known to you. I have a Mill Seat with about twelve acres of land, that join the new water works for manufacturing small arms, a more convenient place cannot be for this purpose. And if I flatter myself Sir, that should a work of this nature be established any where you will Judge me Entitled to some preference in the superintance [sic: superintendence]. From the disas[ter] met with in bursting so many of the guns made for New York, I have gained greater Experience than could other ways been obtained, as the broken guns discovered the the deficiency of Mettal & workmanship[.] We can never expect to arrive at any perfection in the business unless Establish’d by government for a few years, were four or five young men being employed might acquire such proficiency as to prove of National Advantage If this (should it be wanted, or any other Employment) Merrit your attention in my favour, it will confer fresh Obligation on your Obedient Humble Servant, James Byers