War Dep. 4 March 1800 Dear Sir I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated the 12 Febry. ults. It has not been, be assured any want of [undecipherable] regard for you that has prevented my replying [undecipherable] to your letter but on the [undecipherable] pressure of business which has [undecipherable] the [undecipherable] and [undecipherable] causes that [undecipherable] the displacement of [undecipherable] papers [undecipherable] attendant upon [undecipherable] late removals [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] and [undecipherable] return to Philada. It has happened since [undecipherable] course, that I have never answered you [undecipherable] [undecipherable] I certainly not [undecipherable] intended. There has been no [undecipherable] yet [undecipherable] to the establishing a cannon [undecipherable] boundary in the [undecipherable] the manufactory of muskets [undecipherable] established at [undecipherable: Harpers Ferry]. You will perceive [undecipherable] however, [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] however, that [undecipherable] is found suitable [undecipherable], and [undecipherable] circumstances concern it would [undecipherable] it would claim a preference on account of [undecipherable] vicinity to the Arsenal. The establishment of a manufactory of arms near at [undecipherable: Harpers Ferry] was projected by the late President and who had also in view, uniting therewith a foundary for cannon, and the [undecipherable] on [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] fittest for the purpose to be erected in its vicinity. Nothing [undecipherable] at I [undecipherable] said [undecipherable] decided on, and it is [undecipherable] to say, in [undecipherable] the [undecipherable] [undecipherable] occur which make it necessary to lay in a large quantity of cannon [undecipherable]. I shall keep in mind your [undecipherable] on the [undecipherable] on this subject. At [undecipherable] however [undecipherable] the arrangements [undecipherable] for cannon [undecipherable] miles from [undecipherable] [undecipherable] enter into [undecipherable] render it improper to [undecipherable] ments with others for cannon [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] I am &c [undecipherable: Wm.] [undecipherable: Johnson] [undecipherable]