John Nicholson Esquire Comptroller General Present [Endorsements, written sideways:] Rec'd Dec.^r [undecipherable] / [undecipherable] from / Hodgson Esq^r. [undecipherable] / letter from Samuel [undecipherable] [J. PIERPONT MORGAN stamp] Philadelphia 19^th Decem^r [17]96 I received your favour of yesterday— having no knowledge of any expense that the United States might have been at in considering the Port you Mention— I conversed with Colonel Pickering on the subject— he informs that [undecipherable] Clymer went to Fort Pit^t in— evidently even empowered to make certain provisions for the defence of the frontier of the State— Probably he gave direction for erecting the Port at Ligonie— I am pretty clear that whatever was done, was by order and at the expense of this State.—— With Sentiments of esteem I am your most Obedient [Servant] John Nicholson Esquire— Com^r General— Sam^s [undecipherable]