Pittsburg 8th December 1797 Sir I have received your letter of the 1st instant accompanied by the news Papers. The letter you mention to Colo Croghan I presume was put into the Lexington Mail which of course will go through the post office of this place unopened. Immediately after receiving instructions from you to provide for mounting the two 24 & four 18 pounders I sent a bill of the necessary bar Iron to a forge in order to have it drawn and which I presume is by this time nearly completed I shall however immediately countermand my orders to the Iron-Master. But should it be already drawn will be obliged to take it, and in that case (as you are preparing Gun Carriage Irons) will have on hand a quantity of Bar Iron of improper dimensions for common use. On the 6th instant I found it necessary to draw on you at 8 days sight in favor of William Hill, Merchant of New York, for 1100 doll. on account of QMG which be pleased to pay and charge as usual. Yesterday the Commander in Chief arrives at this post from the Westward. I believe he intends spending the winter here. His Lady and family arrived here from Phila a few days before him. Major Freeman, having the command of a detachment composed of Capt. Pierce & Lewis’s Companies, is here on his way to Massac but is now detained by the River’s being shut up with Ice. Stationary not yet come to hand but much wanted. I am, Sir, Your Obed servant I.C. Samuel Hodgdon Esqr Philadelpia