[Cover leaf, top right, filing notation: undecipherable] Samuel Hodgdon Esquire Philadelphia Pittsburg March 16^th 1798 Sir Your letter of the 9^th instant accompanied by one to the Quarter Master General and one to Mrs. Maria [undecipherable] together with News papers &ca. I am sorry our Envoys at the Court of the Terrible Republic have not been able to make a favorable Report of their Mission. My attention to providing Materials for building the Gallies and also to other business that has occurred in consequence of Pittsburg's being Head Quarters has encreased my Duty to such a degree that I have but few leisure Moments. Yesterday I found it necessary to draw on you in favor of John T. Clifford for six hundred and forty dollars at fifteen days sight which be pleased to pay and charge as usual. A Receipt for the several loads delivered by James Hamilton and Waggons employed by him is enclosed herewith addressed to Hamilton; among the several Articles delivered by these waggons are three barrels of Tar and two of Pitch — Articles that can be procured in great plenty at this post on moderate terms. The Iron for the two 24 pounders is badly done, the work is certainly insufficient and it is my opinion ought not to be applied to the Guns, especially as they are for the posts on the Mississippi where it is probable repairs of such Smiths Work cannot be done. Some time ago I mentioned to you that [undecipherable] Blacksmiths were absolutely necessary in mounting the 24 Pounders; [undecipherable] Locks for these Guns were also necessary — all these Articles are immediately wanted. The Ship Carpenters employed at the Gallies have requested me to send their letters under cover to Phil^a — you will find four of their enclosed herewith and of which you will please to take the necessary Notice. I have no account [undecipherable] you of the Secretary at War [undecipherable] — This delay I apprehend will [undecipherable] induce me [undecipherable] shortly go other business. I am with great Esteem Sir, Your Obed^t Servant [signature] Samuel Hodgdon Esquire Philadelphia