[Addressed: Samuel Hodgdon Esq^r / Philadelphia] [Return notation: War Department / [undecipherable]] [Postal stamp: WASH. CITY NOV 11] [Received stamp: Received from War Dep[artmen]t] [Docket, rotated upper right: [undecipherable] / War Dep[artmen]t / No [undecipherable] 1800] War Department 10^e Nov: 1800 Sir On Saturday Evening last the house occupied as the War Office was discovered to be on fire, & with the adjoining house was totally consumed: the fire is supposed to have communicated to the Library from the back part of the Chimney in the next house. All the papers, recorded in my office, were destroyed: the Accountant saved the principal part of his, which were below Stairs. The large & small seal of the Department and the Copperplates for Military Commissions are lost: I have written by this days post to Mr. Whelen to have them renewed; you will please to let your recollection aid him in having the new ones somewhat similar to the old ones. I will also thank you immediately to send me Copies of your Communications, relative to the Estimates for next year. I am Sir, Very Respectfully Y[ou]r ob[edien]t Serv[an]t Samuel Hodgdon Esq^r Sam. Dexter