[Docket on cover: Frederick 12 Feb. 1800 / [undecipherable] Johnson / Informs the result of the Congress it / [undecipherable] is the best situation — / requests a view may be taken / formerly make propositions / to furnishing shot if wanted / self furnishing on good terms / as desired] [Postmark: FEB [undecipherable]] [Rec^d 19 Feb.] Frederick 12 February 1800. S^ir From the Estimates laid before Congress I perceive it is in Contemplation to establish a Foundery; and from what I hear it is the general Opinion with us that it will fall at Shenandoah. I am far from wishing to intrude with my Opinion or inclined to censure Mistakes though I anxiously wish as few as possible to happen. But persuaded that if such a Work is to be established on Potomack above the great Falls the North of the Virginia Catoctin is by far the best Situation. I request that if the Business is not too far gone into already a View may be taken of the Catoctin and all Advantages and Disadvantages brought into one View the Result cannot injure the Public. Upwards of a year ago I made propositions to furnishing a Quantity of Shot and never had the Satisfaction to hear any Thing on the Subject: if Shot are wanted in your Departments I would willingly furnish a part of them as good and on as good Terms I believe as you can be supplyed with them by any other person You will oblige me by an Answer to this Letter and kindly shewing you do not forget and [undecipherable] [undecipherable] it remains Your most obed^t Serv^ant [undecipherable]