[Administrative docket notation at top right: Capt. Holt / [undecipherable] / [undecipherable] 30] [Stamp: Received / State Dep[artmen]t / From...] Samuel Hodgdon Esquire [undecipherable] of [undecipherable] Philadelphia New London June 14^th 1796 M^r, According to orders received Yesterday from the Secretary of War I have discharged the Guard at this Post — I have since Hired two of them on the best terms I could to assist me in going through the examination of the balance of the Powder in Barrels and in the Cannon Carriages which are not fired. If you think after you have received my letter of the 3 Instant that it will be necessary to overhaul the Carriages (a measure I think very day more necessary) I shall be obliged to hire Men for that purpose If I am directed to proceed, they will not be had at less than two or three times the Wages heretofore given to the Guard — Will you please inform me whether the business cannot be prosecuted at such an expence as this. It ever has been and still is my Opinion that a small Guard ought to be kept over the the Men would always be in place to assist me in any necessary business as well as to contribute to the safety of the Stores. I have been faithful according to my Judgement in my Representations on this Subject, and all I can now promise is to take the best care of them I can with the Means I [undecipherable]. M^r Ruskin is threatened with a diminution of his Pay. he complains of this as a Violation of his Contract and declares he will give up the business. If it takes place, I shall be sorry if he leaves us I have the Honor to be with great Respect Your Obedient Servant Th^os Holt Samuel Hodgdon Esquire