Philadelphia 31st Augt 1793 Sir – No 123 I received your Note of yesterday – With respect to the Clothing forwarded I will state a few facts and then give you my opinion respecting the probability of its having received any infection. — Nearly the whole of Clothing was in the Store before any signs of the malady that has proved so fatal to the neighborhood appeared – The room in which it was deposited is a large airy one, three stories high, and unconnected with any other. No person affected has touched any part of it. The moment my men com- plained I sent them off, and when I felt the symptoms of the disease I retired myself. This much for facts — In a matter of so much importance I have consulted professional men – Doctor Hodge gives me leave to mention his name — he joins with me in the opinion that not the smallest danger of infection from the clothing needs to be apprehended —- But, Sir, for prudence sake alone I would recommend that the last load that went on which was by McKebben on the 26th instant and is numbered agreeably to an invoice inclosed this morning by post to Major Craig, be opened and aired before it is sent to its destination – The clothing is for the 4th SubLegion — Sincerely & affectionately Yours, / signed / Samuel Hodgdon General Knox (Copy for Major Craig)