[Wrapper: ...y 30 1800 / To the Secretary / of War / of [undecipherable]] D. L. July 30 1800 I am desired to state the following circumstances for your consideration relative to the claims of Mr. Henry Bonell on the United States. In the fall of the year 1797 Mr. Henry Bonell was desired [undecipherable] to erect [undecipherable] a [undecipherable: founding?] for cannon near Philadelphia under [undecipherable] assurances of being employed by the Government as soon as he should have given sufficient satisfactory evidence of his [undecipherable] ability to execute a contract. Mr. Bonell complied with my request, and justified my views. [undecipherable] it should be acknowledged, that the United States are principally indebted to his Skill for the present improved [undecipherable] Cannon [undecipherable] desirous in this Country, as the deep [undecipherable] established [undecipherable] for [undecipherable] has been attended more [undecipherable] established, he [undecipherable] to prepare for the public Service, but as it was for some time uncertain [undecipherable] what supplies would be required for the public Service, it was [undecipherable] that Mr. Bonell should erect a boring Mill upon the most improved construction, that [undecipherable] at the public expense, upon condition that the machinery should be delivered to the public after the expiration of his contract. It was also [undecipherable] that Mr. Bonell should procure Flasks & Moulds [undecipherable] at the public expense, which should also be delivered to the order of the Gov^t after [undecipherable] his contracts had expired. The improvements made by Mr. Bonell though beneficial to the Country, exposed him to considerable trouble & vexation of his workmen were repeatedly [undecipherable] [undecipherable] from his premises; by [undecipherable] [undecipherable] acquainted with a [undecipherable] different [undecipherable] [undecipherable] Moreover the whole [undecipherable] together never extraordinarily careful, not [undecipherable] [undecipherable] by [undecipherable] [undecipherable] By myself, that all attempts at Secrecy should be attended by not the works should be open to [undecipherable] inspection of any person desirous of inspecting in the same line of [undecipherable] for [undecipherable] to this purpose Mr. Bonell [undecipherable] acceded [undecipherable] under an expectation which was authorized, that he would be allowed a suitable acknowledgment [undecipherable] by the Gov^t. The expenses of the boring Mill, Flasks, Moulds &c can [undecipherable] be easily adjusted. The compensation for disclosing his Skill he is willing to submit to your decision, which I [undecipherable] the honour to request may be communicated to the Accountant to serve as the rule of Settlement [undecipherable] with his [undecipherable]. I have the honour to be with great respect & The Hon^ble War