Pittsburg, 25 April 1797 Sir The Packet containing the news Papers came to hand by post they say but not as usual accompanied by a letter. Perhaps concludes you had not at that time received mine of the 16^th instant. You will find this accompanied by a General Return of horses up to the first of April 1797 and as copying Returns of such Magnitude requires considerable Labor attention more than can be well spared I there request you to hand this letter to the Secretary of War who hereafter will relieve it you on your asking for the use of it. General Wilkinson embarked on the 25^th for Fort Washington — a [undecipherable] of his [undecipherable] has come to hand previous to his departure and yesterday Hamiltons Martin's Waggons arrived with the remainder of the General's horses together with the Country Equipments & the Indian trade Goods. Both of which are going forward to Fort Washington in charge of Captain Van Rensselaer & the General plans to Detroit via Niagara in [undecipherable] of D^r [undecipherable] Whitley — Martin the Waggoner and the Driver of Hamiltons Teams having, by the high prices of forage and provisions on their way here, expended all the money put into their hands & they have made — pressing application to me for relief in consequence of which I have advanced to Martin 20 Dollars & to Davis Buchanan having charge of Hamilton's Wagon 100 Dollars for which same receipts are herewith transmitted and which you will be pleased to place to my credit at settlement of Hamilton's Martin's accounts. On inspecting Hamilton's teams I find that the weight of bale N^o 12 Extra Ammunition Cll. 3. 2. 26 is omitted & I have therefore added that weight in the Receipt sent forward I am, Sir, Your mo. ob. hs. [signature] Samuel Hodgdon esq. Philadelphia