Pittsburg 14^th December 1797 I have received your letter of the 8^th instant accompanied by News Papers &a letter to the Q.M.G. which is delivered I find by the dimensions mentioned in your letter that the 24. pounders are to be mounted on what are called Ship or Garrison Carriages which in my Opinion are very improper for such heavy Guns particularly if they are to be employed as a Battery for which purpose I presume they are intended and it is also my opinion that Wooden Trunks are insufficient and therefore wish you to send forward in due time the necessary cast Iron Trunks — I have this day received a note from James Hamilton Waggoner, requesting me to pay the balance due him on three Waggon Loads coming forward I shall be at a loss to know how to act in this business — as it is contrary to your orders to make advances to Waggoners at this post — I am Sir your Ob^d Serv^t J.C. [Samuel] Hodgdon esq^r Philadelphia