[Col] [Burbeck] [8] War Department, 12 Apr: 1800 Sir, During my late visit to Philadelphia I had some conversation with Capt Elliott on the subject of the supposed Cannon at Fort Niagara and was informed by him that they were not agreeable to Contract, that the Defects in the Cannon were much greater than those stated to be tolerated by the Contract, that the U:S. were not under any obligation to take them & Consequently that on examination have rejected them. As this Statement is so much at variance with that I received from you on the same subject I have to request that you will see Capt: Elliott & inform me of the result. M^r. Lane of Lane & Steller, is here & complains to me that he has Cannon ready agreeable to Contract & that he cannot have them proved.