[Joseph Perkins 4^th June 1797 Ru It— Answd 24—] New London 5 June Samuel Hodgdon Philadelphia Dear Sir New London June 4^th 1797 Yesterday the holed Iron that was orderd for making the Bands necessary for completing the repairs of the Muskets ul This Place come to hand, But it was too late. we were uneeliged to take them out of every Bar from as we were in emdat want of them. we have between 3 & 400 Locks on hand most of them new for which I have Picked out an equal number of the Prime of the Barrels. we have besids these 190 Butts Stocked & Barrl mounted. there might be several hundred moore Barrels Picked out that would do. to make up for Militia. we have about one hundred Bayonetts & two hundred & fifty Rammers and about the Same number of Gards to forg all that will be wanted to make up att the number of Locks on hand. when I Shall discharge the remainder of our Smiths. I wish our Stocking was as near a close. we have at Present But four Stockers imployed and they are young hands. if Georg Metls Should not have left Philad^a before you receive this I Shall be glad if you will Please to hurrey him Back as I am anxious to have all complete before winter. which cannot be dun with our Present number of Stockers. The othe hands will gradually be discharged as the Business draws towards a close — I am Sir with due respect your Obedt Servant J Perkin