Presqu' Isle March 1^st 1796 Sir I have inclosed a letter to my Friend M^r J Harris with a desire for him to purchase Some Stores for me, I have Likewise written to Maj. Craig who is I expect in Philadelphia, to advance the pay for the Articles which I have wrote M^r Harris for. Should it so happen that M^r Harris is not in your employ, nor in Philadelphia, You will Please to destroy the letter directed to him, as it only contains a memorandum of the Articles I wished for &c. Should M^r Harris purchase the Articles for me I will be under the greatest obligations for you to permit them brought forward in Publick Waggons to Pittsburgh. I am at a loss whether my request to you may be deemed improper or not, I cannot suppose the publick may wish to pay for the Transportation of any Articles that might be solicited, yet from my situation at this advanced Post where every Article is purchased at the most extravagant Price, I dont think that it is Improper for me to make the Application which I have done, as it for myself & Mess only, however your Opinion will Govern. Nothing New but this Post is in Peace. The detach^mt in Good health— with very great Respect I am Sir Your very obed^t & humble Servant. Russell Bissell Cap^t 2 Sub Legion Sam^l Hodgsdon Esq^r [Received from State D. Nov. 2 R.P.O. 40126] [Address panel: Sam^l Hodgsdon Esquire / Commissary Gen^l of all Military Stores / Philadelphia] [Notations: Cap^t Bissell / Presqu Isle / March 1796]