[Address: Superintendent of Stores Office Israel Whelen Esqr. Purveyor] [Docket: Hodgdon June 24 1800. Gun Locks] Philadelphia 24^th June 1800 Sir, I have received your letter of this date, enclosing a copy of a letter from the late Purveyor to the late M^r Rutland, and an invoice of Gun Locks said to be imported for the United States in consequence of that letter. I have called on the Storekeeper here, for a Return of the Locks previously received from M^r Rutland under this order, as a necessary measure to determine, as well the want of the article, as the obligation to take it, and from his report, under both circumstances, I think it best to make the purchase. Their being stamped with the initials U.S. will make them unsaleable to others, but in case of sale, it will defeat the end intended by a similar stamp on those imported for the Public. If therefore they, are submitted to, & stand the usual inspection, are found to be well laid in, & can be had on the conditions mentioned in the letter, I think the circumstances will warrant the purchase. I am, Sir, Your most obedient Servant Samuel Hodgdon Israel Whelen Esq^r. Purveyor