Shepherds Town Dec 23^d 1796 [undecipherable] your calling on me for a Return the 9^th of Aug last I then made them up to take home knowing there will be no obstruction between now & then, and an order that they may reach you in time for any [undecipherable] that you may want. You will discover but the blanketts as [undecipherable] and also [undecipherable] over [undecipherable] the Number I find chargeable at me by my returns, this has [undecipherable] for a number of [undecipherable] me greatly [undecipherable], [undecipherable] Collections of the Settled [undecipherable] through the [undecipherable] their Collections from whoever — [undecipherable] find them where no one had any charge over them so as to require my receipt — Indian Island being this was the case I presumed it my duty from the [undecipherable] to the Order of the Bill of [undecipherable: lader?] to forward them all to [undecipherable: Pittsburgh?] yet as the Waggon [undecipherable] could not take them, you will discover that there are a few of each of those Articles remaining on hands, too small to employ another Waggon — I forwarded to Major Craig, 615 good Blanketts and 15 Damaged ones, the damaged ones were [undecipherable] among the [undecipherable] gross which I did not think [undecipherable] to separate. I noted them in the [undecipherable] forwarded to the Major, but I conceive it improper to make you or him Chargeable with them by my returns — I also sent him 2335 [undecipherable] of [undecipherable]. I believe they have reached him ere this, but the weather being so severe, I fear the Waggon will be slow returning. As soon as they arrive you shall be furnished with the full amount to [undecipherable] be [undecipherable] — Meaning the Order issued the [undecipherable] to det: Logan, I requested Major Craig to send on the receipt, as [undecipherable] from you. The Shoes accumulated which I formerly mentioned as [undecipherable] to be sold, together with the [undecipherable] [undecipherable] which were some without Covers, others broke &c and 10 yards of Coating, which [also 6 [undecipherable]] came as [undecipherable], all of which being of no use in a [undecipherable] Store house, I have sold an Amot of which shall be rendered to you with that of the [undecipherable] in removing the Blanketts &c. You have not yet Noticed [undecipherable], had of my former letter requesting leave, again to visit the Western Country. M^r Simmons shall have all my accounts of expend: / : itures &c up to the first of the next year in a few days Wishing the [undecipherable] &c may be Satisfactory I am with respect Your Ob^t Servant E Langham [Address: Major Samuel Hodgdon Philadelphia] [Postage notation: 1° 19] [Endorsement: Elias Langham / Sheppa:ds Town / Dec 23^d 1796 / Conc: Returns &c] [Notation: Matters from N° [undecipherable]]