[David Ames / 17 March / Rec'd 22 — / 1797 / answ 27 —] [26] [Received from State Dep't. Nov. 24. 1894. R.P.O.401310.] Col. Samuel Hodgdon Philadelphia Springfield 17 March 1797 Sir I would acquaint you that we shall soon be in want of some more gun flints & wish if tis your pleasure that you would [strikethrough: please] to find on a thousand as soon as you conveniently can, and that some person that is acquainted would inspect them before they are shipt having now a considerable number that are spoilt by being notty & so shakey that it renders them unfit for use — Some of the rot holes have been found I presume unknown to you kept up with saw dust and glue I wrote you the first instant that the Iron you sent me from Philadelphia was a part of it unfit for use; and at the rate it is now used it is time to look out for some more — We shall I expect compleat four a day from the first of the present month — I should be happy to be inform'd wheather you shall send on the Iron or wheather I must supply it my self — What it will cost with you I know not — The Iron purchasd of M^r Rockwill deliverd at the works is eight dollars a hundred and it is all good — I would wish for your direction on this subject as soon as may be. I am Sir your most obedient & very humble Servant David Ames [Col. Hodgdon]