Shepherds Town May 8^th 1797 Sir, I have written several letters to you, without an answer. I have no doubt of receiving by next post An answer to my last, with leave to draw for 500 Dollars at last, and which will be fully Sufficient for all Public purposes here & also to Answer my wishes in other respects, which I hope you have communicated to the Secy of War in the [undecipherable] ob- tained for me his Sanction — having this good Opportunity, I have taken the liberty to draw on the Secy of War for 500 no the I have not been advised to do, nor have I been informed whether or not my Acct. Doc. or March Accts have [undecipherable] Examination — I have drawn at 3 Days Sight but should 30 Days be Necessary, it will not be material— with you I have some acquaintance, but some with the Secy of War I therefore beg of you to [strikethrough: undecipherable], pay as much attention to this draft as may be necessary to carry it into effect. I have requested Mr. Gardner to call on you before he does on the Secy of War — your attention will be gratefully acknowledged I am very respectfully Your Ob Lt E Langham Major Hodgdon, Remember my old Observation to you [undecipherable]. Should I at any time draw when I ought not, don't suffer my bill to be protested but advise me & I will forward the money myself without [undecipherable] immediately on notice. El