War Department 17^th Nov^t 1800 [S. Towar] Sir I have received your favor of the 12^th inst and inclose herewith a letter to M^r Miller which will place your Artificers on the same footing as were those of Captain Elliott with respect to the pay of the Workmen employed at the Laboratory. I am Sir Y^rs [notk Offert Pay^d] War Department 18^th Nov^t 1800 [153] Sir I have laid before the President of the United States the renewal of the Association of the Portland Volunteers and the tender of their Services under the Act of Congress of the 28^th of May 1798 The President has been pleased to accept the same and to direct that Commissions should be issued accordingly. All the Blank Commissions having been destroyed by fire on the evening of the 4^th inst. I am under the necessity of suspending the issue agreeable to the Presidents order. In the mean time the Commissions to the Officers of the Portland Volunteer Company of Infantry dated in 1798 are considered as valid for the additional Term of two Years from the date of their expiration. I am Sir Y^rs