[undecipherable] Sir Philadelphia 25 May 1791 I wrote you as follows under date of the 25 April — Your Companies march to morrow — I shall want a considerable number of Boats, to transport Men, and Stores down the Ohio — I wish you to look round and know at what rate those suitable for such purpose can be obtained — Captain Ferguson leaves this City for Pittsburg to Morrow — when he arrives with his advice and experience I wish you to engage as many Boats as may be necessary to take down the Companies and Stores I have mentioned above — They must be of the best kind and at the lowest possible rate — as the most rigid Oeconomy is expected in all the expences [undecipherable] for the present expedition — The engage- ment thus made I will discharge — This letter was forwarded by a Capt [undecipherable] who undertook [undecipherable] [undecipherable] it was detained in the road, to forward it by the first self conveyance but not hearing from you on the subject leaves me in doubt whether or not you received it as early as you ought — I hope however you did receive it timely to prevent delay to the [undecipherable] of the Troops that did answer — I have since contracted with Colonel Marshale and a M^r Atchison to supply Thirty six Boats so that I hope no loss of time will happen I shall come forward my self near Winchester having forwarded all the Stores of importance from hence — Your most Obedient Servant Samuel [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable: Major?] [undecipherable]