Durham June 15^th 1793 As this Furnace has not been carried on for some years ill designing persons have clandestinely carried off several of the Shot & Shells belonging to the United States, Unless they are removed or otherwise Secured I believe the practice will be continued as long as any remains. I am Sir your very Hum^ble Serv^t Richard Backhouse Samuel Hodgdon Esq^r C. G. of Military Stores [address leaf:] Samuel Hodgdon Esq^r C. G. M. S. Philadelphia [marginalia, rotated:] Letter from R Backhouse 15 June 1793