[Address leaf: To / Uriah Tracy / 17 Aprl. 1800] War Department 17 Aprl. 1800 Sir Under present circumstances, [interlined: my views of] and the [undecipherable] of affairs, I should think it inexpedient to discontinue the embargo on the exportation of gun powder [and] arms &c — I submit however whether it might not be proper to give a dispensing power to the President as to qualify [interlined: of the embargo] its continuance, and the duration, to the continuance of the existing differences (I am compelled to say between foreign nations) between the U.S. and the French Republic. I am &c your respectfully Hon^b. Uriah Tracy