[Captain Wade 2 December 1796] [Rec^d [undecipherable] Nov [undecipherable]] Samuel Hodgdon Esq^r Philad^a Dec^r 2 1796 Sir I avail myself the pleasure to enclose you, the order from the Secy of War, which I mentioned to you, this morning. — I need not, I am confidant, mention to you, that the distance, and the probability of encountering severe weather on my Journey, will make it necessary for the horses I am to have to be in such order and health, as will enable them to perform satisfactorily — for I am certain Colonel Hodgdon, from his former attentions to me, will not be backward, at this moment in ordering such as he may think adequate to the task — I am Sir with much respect I esteem Your very Obl^t Serv^t Jn^o Wade Samuel Hodgdon Esq^r