[Sam^l Hodgdon] [above 13] War Department 17^th December 1800. Sir The Purveyor of public Supplies has requested my order on Sundry requisitions of yours. I observe a quantity of 24 lbs Ball ordered. I have been informed that a quantity of them manufactured some years since for the United States are now or lately were lying near Bergen in Jersey. If so, I expect that you will prefer having them removed to a place whence they may be transported to the ports wanting them, to purchasing others. In the expectation that you have they acted not only with respect to the Ball, but to the other articles generally, I have sanctioned your Order. I am Sir &^c