[undecipherable] 1798 Information on [finance?] matters required — [Center, written sideways:] by [undecipherable] [undecipherable] War Office Feb 26. 98. Dear Sir, I have enquired, and as I supposed, find that there is little or no intercourse between Wilmington & Newbern. The former has little connection with Philadelphia, because it imports its own goods from Europe. — However, a vessel will very soon sail from this city for Wilmington. The owner is a John Johnson merchant, some where down in town. He has engaged to take the baggage of M^r. Grove member of Congress, to Wilmington. John—son formerly lived in New York. If opportunity presents you can enquire for him. M^r. Grove promises to give me information. — If this should fail, the clothing may be sent to New-York, where M^r. Grove informs me, vessels frequently sail to Wilmington. The arms &c. of which I spoke to you this morning, must be transported down the river to Reedy Island to be laden on board the vessel going to Europe. It may not be amiss to enquire for a pilot boat or shallop to take them down whenever required — which must be in a very few days. I trust every article will be ready. Possibly the order may be given by Saturday. If the field pieces do not arrive to-day, will it not be expedient to send a conductor for them, in to-morrow's stage, who shall hire horses (& waggons if needful) to bring them down without more delay Your ob^t T. Pickering [Addressee:] J.W. Hodgson P.S. I wished to-day the prices upon [undecipherable] for fixing powder. Because Hardie has just sent on a note from Albany, where the Storage in one year, in a petty magazine of 16 by 24 feet, comes to about [undecipherable] — N York currency! — I shall want an accurate estimate of the value of all the arms, ammunition, &c to be embarked as afore mentioned; which be pleased to have made out. T.P.