Philadelphia 5^th March 1795 Mess^rs Johnston & Co Utter Gentlemen The season favourable for proving Powder is fast approaching, that we may avail ourselves of it I wish you to place the balance due the United States on your contract with the Surveyor in the Magazine immediately. I hope this application will be attended to without further loss of time as delay forbids my Suffering any longer delay — The probability of the use of materials for making gun Powder I should suppose would be an additional Stimulus with you for discharging the Debt at the present moment I am Gentlemen Your most Obed^t Serv^t Samuel Hodgdon Philadelphia 9^th march 1795 Sir Your letter of the 3^d with its accompaniments &c came safely to hand this morning — I am glad to find that the Waggons had arrived with part of the Indian Goods and that the Gen^l does not insist on payment for the broken Sloops — the articles you request shall be forwarded shortly. We are busily employed on the adjustment of Major Kirkpatricks Accounts with Cash & Stores — have made considerable progress and shall keep at them till closed, which I hope will be effected Soon — Appearances are unfavorable to a continuance of the blessings of peace — advice direct from our Troops Extraordinary and very extraordinary conduct respecting this Country — The Committee on the propriety of arming have reported in favor of the measure I am &^c Samuel Hodgdon Major Isaac Craig