[Notes from the War Office — 10^th July 1796 Relative to Swords] Samuel Hodgdon Esq^r [stamp: Received from State Dep^t. Nov. 24, 18[undecipherable] R.P.O.401810] --- Extract of a letter from B. Gamble to the Secretary of War dated Richmond July 13. 1796 Sir At the instance of some young men up the Country from this place who were about forming themselves into a volunteer troop of horse I imported 36 complete Horseman Hangers with polished Iron Scabbards. But owing to some misunderstanding about Choice of Officers, there is not a present probability of their being disposed of by that mode — About 30 of the Swords remain on hand — and concluding they are as complete for service and as low bought as the United States can procure them, I offer them at seven and one half dollars each which is the cost and charges and a very small commissⁿ coin." War Office July 19. 1796 Sir, I am directed by the Secretary of War to transmit you the above extract for your consideration and report — I am Sir your ob^d Ser^t. Sam^d. Hodgdon [undecipherable: signature] [stamp: Rec^d from State Dep^t. Nov. 24, 1894. S.P.O.401810.]