Now I have all 13 pages. Let me compile the full transcription. War Department May 19^th 1800 Sir On the table I have used while in the Department of War you will find a packet inscribed [undecipherable] my successor James [undecipherable] [undecipherable], [undecipherable] several objects which will come and are recommended to your serious deliberation. On [undecipherable] of them I have made some Notes. I take the liberty to mention some measures I have taken, directions I have lately given and [undecipherable] several orders of the Department which may require pending attention. 1^st Directions have been given to the Major General [undecipherable] and [undecipherable] to cause orders [undecipherable] to take men [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] appointed commissioned [undecipherable] [undecipherable] an act to augment the Army of the [undecipherable] and for other purposes, on the [undecipherable] section of [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] the President and the [undecipherable] [undecipherable] Commanding General to the [undecipherable] [undecipherable] I have been [undecipherable] by me [undecipherable] sufficient [undecipherable] [undecipherable] to the proper officers to pay the officers and men within the purview of An Act supplementary to the Act to suspend part of an Act entitled "An Act to augment the Army of the United States and for other purposes" passed the [undecipherable] instant, [undecipherable] up to the 12^th of June when they are to be discharged with the three months additional pay secured by the third section of the last cited act, to every such discharged officer, Non commissioned Officers and privates respectively. [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] to take the [undecipherable] for [undecipherable] and transporting [undecipherable] [undecipherable] the [undecipherable] [undecipherable] to proper [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] of Clothing, [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] military articles with every part of the Army to the [undecipherable] and to [undecipherable] proceeded in like manner, from the [undecipherable] of the Clothing for the new regiments the [undecipherable] complement of a Regiment of Infantry, one half to be deposited with the agent for the War Department at Savannah the other half with the agent at Annapolis [undecipherable] subject to the orders of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas [undecipherable] [undecipherable] from the same [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] made to Natchez or [undecipherable] Straight on the [undecipherable] complete suits of Infantry Clothing for forty one [undecipherable] twenty three Musicians and [undecipherable] hundred and fifty [undecipherable] privates — and to [undecipherable] to the address of Major [undecipherable] [undecipherable] complete suits of Infantry Clothing for fifty Sergeants thirty Musicians and seven hundred privates being [undecipherable] intended for the ensuing year. I have further advised Brigadier General Wilkinson of the quantities sent to [the] Mississippi [undecipherable] [undecipherable] and that it is expected [undecipherable] cause the same to be [undecipherable] into the parcels [undecipherable] for different Garrisons or Detachments on the Mississippi, Tombigbee, and North western Frontiers and directed Quarter Master to have the [undecipherable] duly transported. I have also given similar information and [undecipherable] to [undecipherable: Lieutenant] Colonel Butler relative to the Clothing [undecipherable] for the troops under his command. And lest the [undecipherable] of the new Army Clothing should not be found sufficient [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] the quantity that may be [undecipherable] to be provided and forwarded out of the public [undecipherable]. 3. A sufficiency of new Clothing has been [undecipherable] to be cut out for the Regiments of [undecipherable] [undecipherable] man [undecipherable] and will await the orders of the Secretary of [undecipherable] for [undecipherable]. Clothing and [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] report cannot be ascertained. [undecipherable] [undecipherable] of [undecipherable] the [undecipherable] [undecipherable] that the Army [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] at and sent to the respective Corps and Detachments, to be made up by the Taylors in each Company, at the stated [undecipherable] [undecipherable]. [undecipherable] that [undecipherable] effects would result from its adoption, and the more certainly to [undecipherable] fulfill[undecipherable]. 4. In pursuance of the twenty fourth sections of an Act for the better organizing of the Troops of the United States and for other purposes passed the 3 of March 1799. By my [undecipherable] Cloth and other materials, [undecipherable: except] Buttons for [undecipherable] the Army have been imported this [undecipherable] from [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] of [undecipherable] [undecipherable] of Philadelphia [undecipherable]. [undecipherable] Dollars and the amount of [undecipherable] [undecipherable] specifically instructed the Superintendants of Military [undecipherable] to attend to the [undecipherable] of this Cloth. [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] to pursue my successor [undecipherable] [undecipherable] under these instructions, and from time to time ascertain that they are faithfully attended to, [undecipherable] the white cloth in particular may be greatly [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] by Moths. 5. [undecipherable] Indian [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] by [undecipherable] [undecipherable] to purchase and [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] North [undecipherable] [undecipherable] to [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] the [undecipherable] days that to [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] to the Factory at [undecipherable] that for the Choctaws to the Natchez [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable]. 6. It is especially and respectfully recommended to my Successor, to make himself as soon as possible minutely acquainted with the actual state of the Indian Superintendencies, and also with the system, which has been adopted, and is now in execution for ameliorating the condition of the Indians, and keeping them at peace with and attached to the United States. I cannot but flatter myself that the experience of this system, commenced by the late President will not be impaired [undecipherable] the direction of my [undecipherable] [undecipherable] had its interest much at heart, and [undecipherable] under its beneficial influence which must increase with [undecipherable] the great body of Indians in all parts of the United States will be [undecipherable] to the interests of our country & friendly to each other, [undecipherable] to war and prosperous [undecipherable] civilization. [undecipherable] [undecipherable] systems a series of [undecipherable] in Sets and Groups have been [undecipherable] from [undecipherable] with [undecipherable] elegantly [undecipherable], [undecipherable] of the [undecipherable] [undecipherable] of [undecipherable] from the savage to the earliest acts of civilized life. [undecipherable] were intended to be distributed by the Superintendants to [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] to those of [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] raising Cattle the [undecipherable] his lands and the domestic manufactures of spinning and weaving. They are deposited in the Box in the Bank of the United States, except a few which are on a desk in the Secretary's room of the War Office. The [undecipherable] of which will be left enclosed for my successor. I have taken to myself two of each of the three [undecipherable] forming the [undecipherable] wishing to preserve these evidences of the benevolent intentions of the administration of General Washington towards the Indians. 7. The Indian trading houses or factories upon the [undecipherable] and at Tellico will also demand particular attention. The law for establishing them contemplates, that the Capital shall be employed in such a manner as not to be reduced or the public suffer no loss. The President has lately authorized the sending an intelligent and [undecipherable] disinterested person along the Western frontiers to examine into the state, condition, kinds and [undecipherable] of [undecipherable] and distributing the public property in that quarter. He will also be especially charged to examine into and report the state of the Factories most [undecipherable] [undecipherable] at them, capacities and character of the [undecipherable]. 8 Early attention will be requisite to the execution of existing contracts for casting Cannon within the United States. It is recommended that no person be permitted to inspect and prove Cannon under said Contracts whose Skill and integrity do not furnish a complete guarantee to the public against every improper [undecipherable]. 9. It is recommended to my successor to direct the Accountant of the Department to [undecipherable] without delay to the final settlement of the accounts of the Purveyor generally which has [undecipherable] is [undecipherable] been long [undecipherable] under different [undecipherable] until the amount of said accounts [undecipherable] [undecipherable] and to use the [undecipherable] [undecipherable] in respect to the accounts of the [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] and Contractors [undecipherable] [undecipherable] my opinion has the [undecipherable] to the public [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] and will be found in the practice of [undecipherable] [undecipherable] charges [undecipherable] as the public money [undecipherable] [undecipherable] accounts for disbursements [undecipherable] on [undecipherable] [undecipherable]. 10. With [undecipherable] to the [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] Officers [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable]. holds an office, to which the [undecipherable] have [undecipherable] pay and emoluments, he cannot be allowed extra compensation for extra service, except by Congress, and in virtue of an express law" has stagnated the discretion always heretofore used by the Secretary of War on such subjects. [undecipherable] as the Department is by its constitution, to be conducted in such manner as the President of the United States, shall order or instruct, I have referred this principle, with a few cases obstructed [undecipherable] it to the President for his orders and instructions, but have not yet had the honor to receive them. On this reference, which is recorded under date of the [undecipherable] April last, I stated the new principle to be in my conception, utterly incompatible with the good of the Military Service, inconsistent with all former practice during the revolutionary War, and since in all the Departments, and calculated to paralyze the energies of the Executive throughout all its branches in the Government. 11. The improvement of the Corps of Artillery and Engineers has been to me an object of much attention. I have attempted modifications of them, the attainment of a Corps of Engineers peculiarly indispensable to a Country [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] and the establishment of a Military Academy. [undecipherable] these projects have not been [undecipherable] [undecipherable] they have not been absolutely rejected. I will however [undecipherable] that the importance of the Corps of Artillery and Engineers ever as [undecipherable] [undecipherable], must be too evident to need elucidation — but that unless the greatest care is taken, in filling up future [undecipherable] and to [undecipherable] further improvements in them, they will prove a yearly expense, without giving even a promise of correspondent advantages. 12. Will it be permitted to mention, that I have employed on the Fortifications erecting at Baltimore, in the capacity of Engineer, a French Gentleman of the name of [undecipherable], and that evidences of ability in his profession, by correcting errors of much consequence in the original plan of the works, as well as of assiduity in superintending and directing their progress, induce me to raise the compensation he was first engaged at. This Gentleman I would recommend to be continued in employ as heretofore — being much mistaken if he will not be found worthy of trust, competent to what he has undertaken upright and unassuming in his conduct. 13. For the purpose of establishing an Armoury or manufacture of small arms, a site was selected on the Potomac near Harpers Ferry, particularly recommended by the late President, and the ground with certain buildings already erected on it, purchased. Progress has been made in this establishment, and the commencement of the fabrication of Arms, has been some time made; much however yet remains to be done, to carry it to maturity; the completing of a canal begun and in considerable forwardness and the necessary Buildings, at this Armory for the comfortable accomodation of the Superintendent &c. will demand your immediate & minute attention. Detachments from the troops under the command of Major General [undecipherable], have been from motives of economy employed on the Canal. As however these men must be withdrawn on the [undecipherable] of June next, the day fixed for disbanding the new Army, it will [undecipherable] that [undecipherable] arrangements should be made to supply their places by hired labourers or [undecipherable] will be [undecipherable] in completing [undecipherable] important establishment. Major General [undecipherable] mentioned in a letter to me dated the [undecipherable] instant the [undecipherable] in this [undecipherable], in the vicinity of the Army are well used and valuable, some person should be appointed to take charge of them, as well as those on the hill. You may perhaps think it proper to apply such of the materials of those huts, as are fit for the purpose towards the erection of the necessary Buildings at the Armoury. 14. Impressed with a conviction, that the Cannon contemplated to be purchased by 'An Act to enable the President of the United States to procure Cannon, Arms & Ammunition and for other purposes' passed the [undecipherable] of [undecipherable] were intended to be efficient, and the best adapted to the several kinds of service to which they could be applied, and knowing that the measures which have [undecipherable] any that can be taken, to procure Cannon by purchase [undecipherable] the United States either by importation from [undecipherable] manufacture at the different private [undecipherable] at home, could never [undecipherable] perfect uniformity in model, weight, caliber and consistency of Metal necessary [undecipherable] [undecipherable] and full utility of the Ordnance of every [undecipherable]. Also having a well grounded expectation [undecipherable] [undecipherable] could be had in the United States [undecipherable] to one of our National Foundries, superior to any that had been used for the Guns procured by purchase and believing provision was made by the third section of the act cited, enabling to purchase Founderies in case such establishments should be found necessary I wrote a letter to the Secretary of the [undecipherable] on the 10 of March last, proposing that the two Departments should join in a representation to the President recommending the purchase of a site for a Cannon Foundery, and of Ore, the best adapted for Ordnance, in exclusive property to the United States, and also a permanent National establishment for casting Cannon and shot. [undecipherable] a report by Major [undecipherable], relative to some experiments made by him on a very light Gun, cast from Metal the ore of which is found near Harpers Ferry and cursorily touched upon advantages supposed to be peculiar to the site, from its vicinity to a National Armoury, and added that the lightness combined with strength of the guns, which [undecipherable] probably be cast from this Metal, seem to recommend it for those designed for ships as to promise that the iron fabricated from it, would be very suitable for small arms. to this letter the Secre[undecipherable] Secretary of the Navy replied on the [undecipherable] of March last, expressing a decided opinion that the United States ought to possess one or more such establishments as the one proposed, a belief that the vicinity of Harpers Ferry on the Potomac was a very proper place for one such establishment and a full consent that he be considered as joining in an application to the President recommending the measure proposed, suggesting however that further experiments should be made on the Ore in question to ascertain precisely the expectations that might [undecipherable] [undecipherable]. Ulterior experiments being made, and the results reported on the [undecipherable] and [undecipherable] of April last, by Major [undecipherable] on [undecipherable] Guns cast from the same Metal, and some necessary enquiries made respecting the value of the land, and the wood and water on the [undecipherable] site as well as the title of the same, all of which have been communicated to the Secretary of the Navy, I [undecipherable] the [undecipherable] of May by a letter detailing so far as known to me every circumstance, [undecipherable] every paper I was possessed of relative to the measure [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] decision [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable].