Sir Philad^a Dec 11^th 1800 I enclose lists of Articles which Col Hodgdon has requested should be purchased to enable him to comply with orders from the War department Those intended for Fort Jay at New York Fort Trumbull at Hartford Forts Adams and Wolcott at New Port Fort Independence on Castle Island near Boston Fort Sumner at Portland Massachusetts and Fort McHenry on White Stone Point near Baltimore I have determined to purchase in the Vicinity of those Posts Gen^l Stevens has purchased what ever I have had occasion to procure at New York At the other Places I am but little acquainted and have no agents. Presuming that you have a general knowledge of those places I take the liberty of requesting that you would be pleased to point out such persons as you think are suitable to be employed in the purchase of such articles as may be wanted for the Department The articles for other places especially those that are to be [strikethrough: nounce] manufactured must be principally if not wholly procured at this place. Col Hodgdon joins me in opinion in the foregoing arrangement — I am not able to make a correct estimate of the sum necessary but suppose about [undecipherable: though be] —— Ten —— thousand dollars which I request you will be pleased to direct to be sent to me Honble Samuel Dexter Esq^r I have the honor to be with Secretary of War great respect Sir your Obed^t Serv^t