initial transcription; couple words need a second set of eyes
corrected the sign-off.
This revision marked as completed.
This revision marked as approved.
Line 7: Line 7:
 
Under the peculiar circumstances of having [resnerted?] of the President, permission to resign the office of the Secretary of the Department of War, and the uncertainty how long my official capacity may continue, I cannot but think it would be improper for me, to commence the business of the purchase of a site for a Cannon foundry, and ore banks, from Mess<sup>rs</sup> Lee and [B<sup>r</sup>otts?]. Will it not be better, that you commence, as you will probably be in Office, to conclude the whole Negotiation.  
 
Under the peculiar circumstances of having [resnerted?] of the President, permission to resign the office of the Secretary of the Department of War, and the uncertainty how long my official capacity may continue, I cannot but think it would be improper for me, to commence the business of the purchase of a site for a Cannon foundry, and ore banks, from Mess<sup>rs</sup> Lee and [B<sup>r</sup>otts?]. Will it not be better, that you commence, as you will probably be in Office, to conclude the whole Negotiation.  
  
I have the honor to be
+
I have the honor to be Sir your mo
  
In your mo
+
Huble
  
Hu[m]ble
 
 
Ben<sup>j</sup> Stoddert
 
Ben<sup>j</sup> Stoddert