Philad Novem. 22 1800 Sir I have been [crossed out word] directed by the Secretary of the Navy to purchase eleven hundred and two blankets for the Marine Corps. On mentioning this business to Col. Hodgdon and adverting to the number on hand in the Military Stores at this place he joined me in the opinion that it would be proper to submit the matter to your judgment whether under all circumstances it [carat with superscript word might] not be advisable to direct the Keeper of the Military Stores to sell the above quantity of Blankets to me for the Navy Department at a fair mercantile price. The exchange at present is high say 17 2/[illegible] The quantity of blankets on hand in the Military Stores about thirteen [illegible] I presume there would be but little danger of injury from months for another season but I need not inform you that all woollen goods are more or less liable to be damaged by them after being kept some time on hane I have the honor to be with great respect Sir your obedt servt Hon Samuel Dexter Esq The Scouts d coppersetate enquiry are making and shall be forwarded as early as possible