[Sec of War 175] Philadelphia May 29 1800 Sir I have read and considered your report of yesterday & concur with you & the other gentlemen at the heads of departments in the propriety of appointing a qualified person to visit & examine into the actual state of the garrisons — Indian trading houses or factories & other public property in the North Western Territory on the Mississippi & on the frontiers of Tenagée & Georgia. It has been intimated to me that the Hon Uriah Tracy E^sq, Senator from Connecticut would accept of such an appointment & I know of no man whose activity, industry, talents & address would qualify him better to execute such a trust. If there are other candidates you will please to inform me of their names & recommendations — if not Mr Tracy may be appointed as soon as you please. I am Sir with due esteem your humble sev^t [Sec of War Philadelphia May 29 1800]