[Endorsement page — very compressed script, largely undecipherable] Gen B[undecipherable] [undecipherable] [Table of abbreviated entries — undecipherable] [Private] War Department 13 Febry 1800 Dear General. I have received your Letter by Capt. Shipherd and attended to your Observations relative to drawing off soldiers from their proper duties to assist in completing the canal for the Armory at Harper's Fer^y. All you say upon the subject is well founded and in perfect unison with my own Opinions. but, considering that it is generally expected we should derive some present and visible service from the new soldiers by employing them on fortifications or public works, and that such a rotation of fatigue parties may be established, for completing the canal in question, as will not materially affect the general course of camp exercise and instruction I wish therefore, if no insurmountable difi-culties interpose, that you will as soon as the season is favourable to commencing the work on the canal you issue orders as [&] may be necessary — as [Shipherd?] thinks it can be completed in three months by the labour of one hundred men [undecipherable] — it is a compen-sation [to?] the soldiery. It will, I do not doubt, be made a question, in the accounting offices, whether for any extra service whatever rendered by an officer or soldier, it is lawful to make compensation out of the contingent fund. I have no doubt as to the equity, propriety and legality but it may be determined otherwise. I would [undecipherable] advise that no promise be given or expectation raised of extra allowances until you hear from me on the subject. Fatigue rations are always a thing of course. I am D[ea]r Si[r] very sincerely yours James McH[enry] [undecipherable]