Cincinnati January 28 1797. 2 [undecipherable] The articles I wrote to my friend Harris for in July last have arrived in good order, by the mackerel, rice, and sugar, that detention of the articles so long on the way, has been owing to the want of water in the Ohio, which, until very lately, has not been navigable since June last. I was apprehensive that Mr Harris had been a victim to the pestilence since I received an answer to my letter from your brother — but [undecipherable] — a person who came down the river, yesterday, has informed me to the contrary. — And I am thankful to you and your brother for your attention to the requests I had made to Harris. Since [undecipherable] I have been stationary here and shall probably remain so for a time. — this circumstance is grateful to my feelings, as it [undecipherable] [undecipherable] the inconvenience of being now and then [undecipherable] [undecipherable] deserving it. Governor Sargent writes to me, that he was married on the 24^th of October last, to a M^rs Williams at Natchez. She is a lady of fine accomplishments [and] handsome fortune. You will no doubt join me in congratulations to our mutual and worthy friend, on this occasion. I have little or no news to give you from this quarter, excepting this, that Madame Wilkins [undecipherable] embarked from this place yesterday in four [undecipherable] the "head quarters of the Army, Camp Loftus's [undecipherable]; the fleet is under the direction of Captain [undecipherable] Adams, and has a fine prospect of having a speedy passage to its place of destination. The Legislative body for this territory assembled here on the 22^d instant pursuant to the Governor's proclamation for that purpose — it is composed of very reputable [undecipherable] are attached to our General Government. — the [undecipherable] is not yet nominated, as soon as this nomination [is] made, it is expected the legislative body will adjourn until a [selection?] from the [said?] [undecipherable] is made, and confirmed by the President of the U[nited States]. When this [shall] be announced, the legislative body will again convene and proceed to business. Accept of my best respect and esteem I am &c your very obedient Servant [undecipherable] [undecipherable: signature] [Colonel Samuel Hodgdon Philadelphia] [undecipherable: crosswise writing on verso]