Sir, Philadelphia 26 February 1798. At the request of the Secretary of War, I inform you that he has appointed you to inspect the Shoes, presented by Mess^rs Joseph Case and Josiah Baldwin for the United States under their Contract for that Article in the course of the Current year. For your information of what is required of you, that part of the contract that relates to the inspection is put into your hands with this information and under the Sanction of an oath of fidelity which will be previously taken and lodged in the War Office; you are authorised & requested to proceed immediately to the duties of your appointment. The compensation for inspection will be allowed as heretofore. I am Sir Your most Obedient Serv^t Samuel Hodgdon M^r John Klopp Copy of the Oath above Refered. to. I the Subscriber being appointed by the Secretary of War to inspect the Shoes to be furnished the United States by Messieurs Joseph Case and Josiah Baldwin for the present year, Do swear that I will make the inspection agreeably to the true Spirit and meaning of the Contract without favour or affection to either party to the best of my Skill understanding and judgment