Pitts Burgh 26^th Dec^r. 1800 Dear Sir, [undecipherable] I now return the com- pliments, I proceed to acknowledge & to thank you for your favours of the 4^th & 12^th Inst; if you have not purchased the Cloaths for M^r W. I beg you to waive the execution of that com- mission, as in the chance of those & things, which seem to be at hand; my own situation is uncertain — but if your attentions have procured this nomination, I shall be well satisfied as they will bring the coat here — I am great need here of a circumferenter & chain, and a good Theo- dolite, to instruct the Officers in the taking of distances; altho' he — with you be so good as to purchase forward those Articles, and I give pro- [undecipherable]