[Copy] [President to the Secretary of War approving of the propriety of appointing a person to visit the Garrisons &c on the Frontiers &c — recommending the Hon. Mr. Tracy for the purpose.] Philadelphia May 24. 1800. Sir, I have read and considered your report of yesterday [undecipherable: conferr'd?] with you and the other Gentlemen at the heads of Departments, in the propriety of appointing a qualified person to visit and examine into the actual State of the Garrisons, Indian Trading Houses or Factories, and other public property in the North Western Territory, on the Mississippi &, the Territories of Tennessee and Georgia. 2. It has been intimated to me that the Honourable Uriah Tracy, Esq. Senator from Connecticut would accept of such an appointment; and I know of no man whose activity, Industry, Talents and [undecipherable] would qualify him better to execute such a trust. If there are any other Candidates you will please to inform me of their Names and Recommendations, if not a Mr. Tracy may be appointed, as soon as you please. I am, Sir, with due Esteem, Your humble Servant John Adams. Secretary of War. True Copy from the Original in the President's Handwriting. [undecipherable signature]