Philada Dec 12th 1800 Sir By this mail you will receive the small [crossed out word] seal for the War Office It has been in my possession only since this morning. The engravers at first required three months for compleating copperplate the person employed at it says it will be at least six weeks before it is finished consequently it will not be in my power to produce Impressions from it for some time to come Your letter of the 10th Ultimo mentions only, a Copperplate Engraving for Military Commissions I have agreed for one only form an impression in possession of Col. Hodgdon who informs me he knew only of that kind your letter of the ninth Inst. mentions large and smaller Impressions If it was your desire to have two plates of different sizes you will be pleased to inform me in your next and I will have one on a small scale immediately begun. With great respect I am Sir & Honble Samuel Dexter Esq. Secretary of War