War Department, December 24. 1800. Sir Col Hughes represents to me that a Table of nine long 24 Pounders and twelve short 24 [undecipherable] said to have been proved by M^r DeCosta, (Copy whereof I enclose) had been submitted to you, whilst Secretary for this Department and that on examination of the report you directed [strikethrough: them] to be received for the use of the United States. I beg leave to trouble you with the request that you will be as obliging as to state to me whether you have any recollection of the Circumstance. I have the Honor to be Sir Very respectfully Your mo. ob^t. Serv^t. Sam^l Dex[undecipherable] James M^cHenry Esq^r [War Department] [James M^cHenry Esq^r] [Baltimore] [Hon^d by Col. Hughes]