[Michael Houdin 25 Albany Aug^t 1796 a. 22. 796] [Sam^l Hodgdon Esq^r Superintendent of Ordnance, Military, and Naval Stores of the U. S. Philadelphia] [Sir, I have forgot to inform you in my letter that Major [undecipherable] & Kersley are gone on their Journey from H. 20. instant —] Albany 22. August 1796. Sir. Agreeable to Your Order in your last Favour to me, dated on the 12^th last, I have Furnished Major Peter's & Kirsey Both Not only With tents, but With Some other Articles as you Will See by the Vouchers here enclosed to proceed on their Journeys. I Do Not Know indeed, Whither I am Justifiable in do doing, but Sir, it Appears to me that they Could not Very Well undertake long Journeys, Without be— Provided for & amply equipage alike. You Mention in Your Letter that you Did Perceive'd in My last return, Only one Common tent, it is right enough, Sir, as I Never had No more than that one. I flatter My Self that you have heard from G.^al Dickenson, and to Your Satisfaction he has told me at all Events that he Wind Write to You as Soon as Possible on the Subject. I have Lately Applied to D.^t Flemming While in Albany for a Pair of Dortement Pistols for my own Use, to Which he replied justly, that he Could Not Without an order from you Sir, but as he is Going to Philadelphia & will beyond Doubt Wait on you, I Will thank You as to remember of that. Let me request you Now Sir, to forward to me, the Amount of the Vouchers Now in your hands, and By the Same post, I Shall Send you the receipts for the Same. — My Respects pray Sir, as Usual to Mistress Hodgdon, & Sincer Wishes for her Well fare, Your's and Family, and Believe me Without reserve — Sir. Your Most Obedient, and Humble Servant, M.^el G^l Houdin Sam.^l Hodgdon Esq.^r