1From James Madison to James Wood, 12 April 1799 (Madison Papers)
Capt: Henry Bell of this neighbourhood wishing his pretensions to be taken into view by the Executive in filling the office of Superintendant of the State Arsenals I take the liberty of stating that he enjoys the reputation of having served meritoriously in the war of our Revolution, that he is esteemed a man of strict integrity & honor, and that he may be confided in for a faithful discharge...