James M^Henry War Department 24^th Decm^r 1800 Sir Col^o Burbeck represents to me that a suide of nine long 24 Pounders; and twelve short 24 Pounders reported to have been proved by M^r Decoste, [or some similar reading] had been submitted to you whilst Secretary for this Department and that on examination of the Proof you directed the Guns to be received for the use of the United States. I beg leave to trouble you with the request that you will be so obliging as to state to me whether you have any recollection of the Circumstance. Sam^s Sor [undecipherable]