[Navy Dept] Nble Uriah Tracy [Private] March 12 1800 Dear Sir I have this moment received your letter dated the 10^th instant. Solutions to questions which require a knowledge of the intentions of foreign powers as they respect the United States may be guessed at only. I have no clue to guide me to our situation six months hence. If we are to have war, the exportation of the offensive arms stated in the petition ought not to be permitted. If peace, we shan't want them. This answer I presume can satisfy nobody, and it may be a question whether I can safely or wisely give any other. Still guessing however, I would incline to recommend granting the prayer of the petition, because the muskets and swords appear to be unsuitable for the naval forces, and because, it is my determination, to have the muskets and swords for the use of the army all of the same caliber & pattern, to which these do not conform. I am D Sir your most respectfully U. Tracy Esq^r. James McHenry