Accounts just received via New York, say the Spanish Posts at the Natchez and Neutral World are given up to the United States. I am Sir, Your most Obedient [undecipherable] Col. Edw^d Carrington Samuel Hodgdon Philadelphia 14 Febr^y 1798 Sir, Yesterday I recieve your letter of the 8 instant — I have consulted with the Secretary of war on the business to which I relates, and have now to inform you, that it is determin'd as[undecipherable: probable reading judg]ment for the interest of the United States to dispose of the furniture of Tools &c. invested in your [undecipherable] of Quarter Masters Stores provided they will command an equitable price — And this business is committed to you if this then should find you at your Post, the amount of sales to be paid into the hands of Capt. [undecipherable] — for what you are please to take duplicate receipts, one of which you will render to me — you will be reserv'd the usual commission of 5pCt. on the Sales, and payment of the money with respect to the minor articles of Military Stores which must be under the immediate charge of some person to prevent a total loss by damage or [undecipherable: probable reading peculation], such of them as are at [undecipherable] you were sent to Capt. [undecipherable], who will be enabled and empowered to pay for their transportation — The Ordnance that is in a [undecipherable: probable reading variable] condition may be transported to the nearest and best situations on the Mt. track Line, and, placed under care of some [undecipherable] there, until it shall be concluded when to remove them to a permanent Station — a small log building or Store, should be erected to cover them from the weather, while being furnished by the person in charge of the Stores and, for its time and his trouble entitle him to [undecipherable] dollars a Month — this must it appears to me have prevent the great expense for transportation and the pressing of some person to affect the stores, and at the above time, secure them [undecipherable] to the Government — If the present is not the best time to attend them as above contemplated they may [undecipherable] to a more convenient time, I mean such as will not be liable to be [undecipherable] or taken away; and in this case you [undecipherable] take [undecipherable] receipt for them and thereby clear your account — your Salary as stated by you has been paid into the hands of the person authorized to receive it M^r Bernard Hudson Samuel Hodgdon Gent. Philadelphia 14 Febr^y 1798 I have communicated the contents of your last date to the Secretary of War, he agrees to the allowance of [undecipherable] and fifty dollars directed by each of you as a just compensation for your services while inspecting the Ordnance under contract for the present year. — Your will please to [undecipherable] the truth of these enclosed to you, and return it to me to be placed on file with the other papers to which it relates. I am Gentlemen ( Your most Ob^t Servant Samuel Hodgdon Mess^rs Dolls & Crang.