[Vol. 6 / No. [undecipherable] 110.] [left margin, vertical:] [undecipherable] Eli M. Whitney / Jan. 15. 1801 Washington Jany 15^th 1801. Sir, Mr. Eli Whitney Contractor for procuring arms at New Haven, has communicated to me his application for a further advance of money and for an extension of time to complete his engagements, with a request that I would state to you my sentiments respecting his propositions. From my own observation & the testimony of Mr. Hillman Mr. Elijah Goodrich & Elizur Wolcott, whom I consider as most competent judges, as well as the specimens of work which Mr. Whitney has produced, I am satisfied that the factory at New Haven is established on the best principles, is capable of producing arms, equal to any, which have been [strikethrough: [undecipherable]] fabricated in the first manufactories of Europe. — That the whole of the money advanced has been judiciously & [underline: oeconomically applied] towards the execution of the Contract is certain & such progress has been made in constructing every part of the Machinery, that no uncertainty [can attend the Whitney's life, not when any part of the undertaking. — Mr. Whitney has endeavored to fulfil his promises fairly, more than in respect to time, and I [undecipherable] it [undecipherable] a [undecipherable] and affectionate [undecipherable]. It is [undecipherable] and friendly to difficult undertakings, & Being satisfied that Mr. Whitney, has [strikethrough: [undecipherable]] what are, of the first order, & that his establishment is one [underline: indeed] [undecipherable] worthy of national encouragement & that no loss is to be apprehended from complying with his [undecipherable] for obtaining a further advance of money & and extension of time for completing his Contracts, & for adjusting the terms of future reimbursements I cannot but recommend him to your attention & express a wish that a compliance with his wishes, may appear reasonable & consistent with the public duty. I have the honour to be very respectfully Your obedt Servt The Honble Sam^l Dexter Esq. Sec. of the Treasy