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Navy Department

11^th March 1800

Secretary at War

Sir

I am honored with your letter of yesterday, on the subject of the purchase of a site for a cannon foundery & of ore the best adapted for ordnance, and of a permanent National Establishment for the casting of Cannon & Shot.

I can have no doubt that the United States ought to possess, one or more such establishments, and I believe the vicinity of Harpers Ferry on the Potomac a very proper place for one such Establishment, as it has an aspect towards the Western Country, is near the center from North to South for the United States, and being on navigation is sufficiently convenient to the Seaports. I will therefore without hesitation consent that in your communication to the President you shall make use of my name as joining you in opinion as to the propriety of the establishment if upon the trial you propose of the or you find it answers the expectations you have formed of it. I beg have to observe that the Falsbury Ore, on a trial just made appears to be equal to that of Virginia - it has not however undergone all the proof which the other has sustained.

I have the honor to be with great respect

Sir

Yr obed servt