Springfield May the 9: 1797 Sir I wrote General Lincoln for information about about the Muskets he took the charge of to M^r Manning— and days after he informed M^r Manning they were at the Stage House— he see them in a small house where some of the passengers went to warm themselves whilst the Ice was moving that detaind the Boat— I supposed them to be in the Care of M^r [undecipherable] to be forwarded to you— I have wrote M^r Manning on the Subject and desired him if his researches should prove in vane to Advertise them— and described them as particular as I could— and when found to be immediately conveyed to you— the Stocks I am afraid we shall be in want of before yours will arrive. I am Sir your most Obedient & very humble Servant David Ames [Col. Hodgdon] [Philadelphia] [endorsed: Letter from D. Ames, Springfield Aug^t 9^th 1797, to Col. Hodgdon — Rec^d from State Dep^t R.P.O. 4/01/90.]