(War Department, 12^th Aug 1800) [Col [undecipherable] 8] Sir During my late visit to Philadelphia I had some conversation with Capt. Elliott on the subject of the supposed Cannon at [undecipherable] Vincennes, 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 [undecipherable] from you on the same subject I have to request that you will see Capt. Elliott & inform me of the result. Mr. [undecipherable] of [undecipherable] & [undecipherable], is here & complaining to me that his Cannon ready agreeable to Contract & that he cannot have them proved. (War Department, 12^th Nov 1800) [To Gen [undecipherable] 4] Sir The proceedings of the General Court Marshal lately [undecipherable] at Philadelphia for the trial of Capt. John [undecipherable] of the Second Regiment of Artillery & Engineering, and of [undecipherable] & Simmons of the Cavalry, having with the respective sentences been considered by the President of the United States, and before any order made by him thereon returned to the War Office and therein [undecipherable] by fire [undecipherable] of the [undecipherable] instant the President being