[Copy of a letter to the Secretary of War dated Philadelphia 1^st August 1790] Sir. A large quantity of Petre the property of the United States, is stored in the magazine of Mess^rs Wheeler & Miller above Frankford; a situation which from many considerations I think an improper one. Some time ago I built a Store in Campington for the deposit of Salt Petre and other articles belonging to the Public, which has proved truly œconomical as well as usefull. An adjacent lot for building another Store very suitably situated may be had on reasonable terms. Will it not be best to erect one for the reception of the netre above mentioned, and several other articles of public property; the propriety of the measure strikes me very forcibly. The expence will be about Twelve hundred Dollars. I am Sir Your most obedient Servant, Samuel Hodgdon Honorable Secretary of War