New-London April 8^th 1797. Sir. As the business at this place is drawing towards a close I have thought it expedient to discharge part of the hands who have heretofore been employ'd in such parts of the business as will in a great measure cease unless more Stockers could be got. I have given them notice to Dismiss themselves against the first of next month, they are nine in number and their pay and board amounts to 220 Dollars per month exclusive of the rent of the Shops which will be unoccupied, and the rent case. George Mells intends soon to go to [undecipherable] to see his friends he means to return, but I am sorry I cant prevail on him to stay untill the job is finished, as he is one of our Stockers, and his leaving us will help to delay the business as we have but few of them. If I could get two or three more could finish early this fall. The rollers from M^r Holt wrote for is very much wanted. I am Sir with respect your humble Servants Joseph Perkin P.S. I would be glad to have a line or two from you if you have any thing to communicate. [Joseph Perkins 8 Apr No. 81 Recd 18 —] [Received from State Dep't Nov. 24, 1894. B.P.O. 401810.] [New London 10^th Apr] [22] [33] Samuel Hodgdon Esq^r Philadelphia.