[address panel: Samuel Hodgdon Esqr / Philadelphia] [docket: Pittsburg Jan. 12] [Received from State Dep't. Nov. 24. 1801. B.P.O.401810.] Pittsburg 12^th January 1798. Your favour of the 5^th instant is this moment come to hand accompanied by the Packet of News Papers [undecipherable] intended for the Gun carriages being drawn according to [undecipherable] to forge as I am informed it is coming forward agreeably thereto. By a Gentleman yesterday arrived from Natchez the Packet accompanying this was received. It is said that our Troops at that place are not on good terms with the Spanish Garrison and which in a few days after the 28^th of October expected reinforcement from Orleans. In a former letter you mentioned that the Secretary of War agreed to sanction my claim of compensation for extra Services up to the 1^st January 1795 and if I understand you right the [Secretary?] then agreed that from that date a compensation [would] to be fixed for my Services generally Viz. in Quarter Master Ordnance, Clothing and Commissary Departments and therefore in consequence of that information I have omitted in my accounts of expenditures in Quarter Master Department charging for my Services as a Deputy Quarter Master. But it is necessary that it be immediately ascertained in what manner and to what amount per annum a [undecipherable] is to be fixed. I have heretofore given you a good deal of trouble in this Business and as you have not yet complained of the weight I have presumed to lay this additional Burthen on you. I have this day found it necessary to draw in at ten days sight in favor of Gen. John [undecipherable] for [undecipherable] in consideration of that sum received of him for Purposes of Quarter Master Department which he [expects?] to pay the [money?] as usual. I am, Very Respectfully, Sir, [Your] Obed. Serv. Samuel Hodgdon Esq. [Signature: Isaac [undecipherable]]