Reading all three images before transcribing. The first image is a cover/wrapper sheet with docket notations; the second is the letter body; the third is a finding-aid insert ("Additional Copy") that is not part of the historical document. --- [: 6 May 1800 / Benj. Stoddert] War Department 6 May 1800 Sir, Under the peculiar circumstances of having requested of the President, permission to resign the Office of Secretary of the Department of War - and the uncertainty how long my official capacity may continue - I cannot but Think it would be improper for me, to commence the business of the purchase of a site for a Common foundery - and [undecipherable: probable reading "breech-bands"] - from Mess.^rs Lee and B[undecipherable]tts - Will it not be better - that you commence - as you will probably be in Office - to conclude the whole business - I have the honour to be Sir your mo^st Humb^le Benj. Stoddert