Philadelphia 13^th February 1798 Gentlemen. At the request of the Secretary of War on the part of the United States, and of Thomas Billington the Contractor for the supply of the Clothing for the Army, for himself on the other part, I inform you that they have mutually appointed you to inspect the Clothing offered by the said Contractor, under his Contract to the United States. For your information of what is required of you a Copy of that part of the Contract that respects the Clothing will be put into your hands, with this and under the sanction of the following Oath of fidelity, which will be previously taken. You are authorized &requested to proceed on the duties of your appointments. I am Gentlemen Your most Ob^t Servant Samuel Hodgdon Mess^rs Jn^o Stille Sen^r & Thomas Croning Copy of the Oath above referred to. We the Subscribers, appointed by the parties to inspect the Clothing, to be furnished the United States by Mr Billington for the present year, do swear that we will make the inspection agreeably to the spirit of the Contract without favour or affection to either party, to the best of our Skill, understanding & judgment,