The primary document (pages 2–4) is severely water-damaged and largely illegible. Page 6 is a secondary copy of the same document provided to aid decipherment. The transcription below is derived from the secondary copy. --- Pittsburg 9^th September 1796 Sir. Your letter of the 1^st & 2^d instant together with directions for arranging and classing the public Stores [undecipherable] to your [undecipherable] is received and to which I shall pay due attention. I have agreeable to instructions from the Secretary of war provided two boats for M Ellicott; on his arrival the Article you mention shall be furnished agreeable to his Directions. On the 8^th James Hamilton Waggoner arrived with a load of Clothing &c and as usual was in need of a little money I have therefore supplied him with Thirty dollars for which his rect is enclosed, that sum you will therefore please to deduct from the amount of his account at settlement & place it to my credit. Hamilton desires me to inform you that he expects to be at your Office on or before the 25^th instant and requests that a load may be ready for him and as a part of which I have to beg of you to send me a barrel of Muscovado Sugar for Family use I have this day drawn on you in favor of Presley Neville for 1104 dollars payable 8 days after sight which be pleased to pay and charge as usual I mentioned formerly that a strong Tackle was wanted for drawing Boats on shore for graving such a Tackle is still much wanted together with Blocks for Hoisting Tackles at the Store House at this post, at Fort Franklin and at Le Bœuf, perhaps you have got such Articles on hand and can send them forward, or a part of them by the first waggon I am with great respect Sir your Ob. Serv. [signature] Sam Hodgdon Esq Philadelphia