Yours of 3d Ult [Ultimo] to Genl [General] Caswell , in reference to the arms in my charge at this place was handed me a few days since and I hasten to reply at my earliest moment of leisure. It would require more time than [gap] can possibly spare, just now, from the duties of my office (being [gap] a short time before the sitting of the Chancery Court) to make my answer as explicit and satisfactory as I could wish. From such investigation as I have been able to make I should say that the number of guns on hand was something over thirteen hundred__ perhaps thirteen hundred and twenty five_ most of which are in good order with bayonettes [bayonets] attach,d [attached]. There are only thirty one swords and nine pistols. The cartridge boxes, belts, vices, screw-drivers &c [etcetera] are in boxes and are perhaps as numerous as the guns, swords &c.

These guns were taken out of the possession of my predecessor Col [Colonel] Crozier , I think, by order of Gov [Governor] A. [Aaron] V. Brown and delivered to [unclear: Gen. H. ] Harris and A. R. Crozier with whom a contract was made under an act of the Legislature, for cleaning them & putting them in order. I have never been called on to receipt for them

Genl Caswell informs me that 100 Guns &c were deliver,d [delivered] to the order Capt [Captain] Wales [unclear: three ] of Rogersville and some 500 were sent to Memphis about the time that the first of our volunteers left for Mexico . During the rendezvous of the Regiment of Volunteers at this place, and before my appointment, a number of guns were deliver,d by order of Genl Gillespie to the citizens who form,d [formed] a guard for the protection of the town There has been but one of the

[gap] Hoping that the above information may sufficient for your present purpose

I am most respectfully
Your obdt Servt [obedient Servant]

S M McClung, [added: Ass Qr M Genl [Assistant Quarter Master General]]