The National Intelligencer And Washington Advertiser

To the Editors of the National Intelligencer.

GENTLEMEN,

I will thank you to insert in your paper of Monday next, the following remarks respecting a piece which appeared in your paper of Wednesday last, under the Richmond head of the 4th inst.

The piece I have reference to is that which gives an account of the first Cannon made at the Virginia Manufactory of Arms.

It is stated that the Machine for making Cannon was prepared and put up under my inspection and for my services I am to receive $5000. Although I am satisfied the writer did not intend it, nevertheless it hath left an impression on the minds of all that have read it. that the above sum was a remuneration for my individual services as an inspector of the work, in making and putting it up at Richmond.

Now I wish it to be understood that the contract with the state of Virginia, runs thus:-

I was to make at my works in Georgetown, [at my expence] all the machinery of every description necessary for the Foundery and Boring Mill, consisting of wrought as well as cast iron, together with every apparatus and implement needful to carry the works into operation ; the machinery to be delivered at Richmond at my expence and risk.

I also engaged to take my hands from hence with me to put up the machinery and set the work in motion. And further, to prove satisfactorily that there was nothing wanted to make the works complete in all their parts, I agreed to cast, bore, and turn a Cannon with my hands and at my expence in their works before I should be entitled to the sum mentioned above, viz. $5000.

HENRY FOXALL
Georgetown, July 15, 1809.