3^d April 1785 arguments & your request. I have made enquiries about getting the Saddlery [strikethrough: things] made, find they Can be done partly from Common tools (if not Castings) some sets were to be they Port no uniform vis Guns & Stores) — I saw Sunday when I arrived in New York, and Stayed but a few hours and Could not enquire about others, but have since wrote to Col^o Plaine about it & think there will be no difficulty in that point. — Hors, bobs can be got free of for the Army. The matter now rests with you whether I hall make the Contract or not, if you should find yet to hand it to another it is too late to be lost — wish you Please to prevent the time, & terms of payments, as there must be a written agreement for the faithfull performance of the work — and they will as implicitly affect as Certain time of Payments, for which I shall look to you — I shall not depend solely upon Col Plaine for the Castings — also intend to go and see that Damages have don at Catham, and will make haste after some in the Country — perhaps they will cost Cheaper than those in Newford — you Said something about getting Shot, howeve, not sure not mention it in your letter — you'll please to inform me wether it Shall be sold or brought to this Places, in your regt — I do not recollect that any Compensation with your wether my Pay Could be made up for the deficiency of rank with the rest of your department, when the Office of fire armer is Opened — if you Can, and will do it — you will do me a piece of highest service — Inclosed you will Receive the return for the Month of March 1785 — With respect & am Sir Joⁿ Hodgdon Esq^r your Hum^ble ser^t Dep^ty Mil^ty Stores William [undecipherable] D^y Mil^ty Stores