Surveyors Office Philad^a 5^th July 1800 Si^r I had the honor to receive your letter of the 2^d with the inclosures, with respect to M^r Kellands claim on account of Locks imported. I had previous to the receipt of your letter made enquiry into the circumstances attending it, and though the date of M^r Francis' order is between four & five years ago, yet as it appears that the number will not be exceeded including these, and that the order has been verbally continued from year to year. Col Hodgdon agreed with me in opinion it would be best to purchase them, especially as by letting them be sold to others it would be lesening the security against embezzling public arms by having them marked "United States" as these are so marked. with respect to Martins claim as the amount is small it may be as well to take the blocks for cartouche boxes — it is a misfortune that almost the whole of M^r Francis' contracts were verbally made, without any memorandums in his books, or knowledge of the circumstance communicated to M^r Govett his Clerk — I refer to my letter of the 28^th of May to the late Secretary of War respecting the claim of a M^r McLaws on which the Secretary decided, in my opinion as favourably to the applicant as he could expect, yet he is still disatisfied because he was not ordered to be paid before the work was done — although I belive nothing improper has [yet] taken place — yet I have perceived the necessity of guarding against suggestions of verbal contracts, as I presume you will have applications, I thought it best to mention this — M^r Jonas Wade of new Jersey has delivered in a considerable quantity of Shoes which have passed inspection, they were made in pursuance of a contract with the Secretary of War [on account of the indisposition of the purveyor] dated the 28^th of April last. M^r McHenry in his letter of the 24^th May last directed me to get an inspector sworn to examine them, permit me to request that a Copy of the contract, may be sent me to enable me to settle with him — To provide for sundry payments I request that a Warrant may be issued in my favor for twelve thousand Dollars ——These Sums will be charged me on account & though more than is wanted for the present moment will be soon absorbed — As the Treasurer is yet in Philadelphia I request the warrant may be sent on by Post, I have made arrangements with the Treasurer & Bank so that no injury but delay can arise from miscarriage the warrant being purloined — I request this letter may be considered as authority from me to M^r John Newman to give a receipt on my behalf to the accountant for the Warrant — I have the honor to be &c — M^r Samuel Dexter Esq^r — Secretary of War —