Philadelphia 22^d March 1791. Sir I am of opinion that the Thousand Dollars advanced by you to James Carey on Public Account ought to be settled with his other expences incurred on his journey, as the money is expressly sent to be for that purpose. If [undecipherable] to permit the Auditor would consider it as an advance and as such it would probably forever remain. Suppose for a moment the House should die, or Stay and be lost, in either case it is unreasonable to expect Mr. Carey could return to me with a certificate of the post as a voucher to his account for payment, as he is already gone, and it is certain without that [undecipherable] not obtain credit for the payment. If however the above mode is not adopted, the receipt should be presented to Colonel Henry with directions to adjust the Account. I am Sir respectfully yours James McHenry Esqr. Samuel Hodgdon Philadelphia 23^d March 1791. Sir I have received with pleasure your letter of the 14 Instant with its enclosures. I conclude you must be anxious, and thank you for [undecipherable] to inform me how long the Ship Carpenters are expected to be employed at your post. Your [undecipherable] in favour of [undecipherable] is received. Aaron [undecipherable] was present at a [undecipherable] of your account and greatly [undecipherable] with your attention in forwarding his receipt. I note what you say of the thousand [undecipherable: pistoles] which are on hand to prevent the transportation of any more of those articles. I am surprized at your account of the loss for the 24 pounders it was performed by Hageman, a man of more experience in that [undecipherable] than any other in the City, he was [undecipherable] hundreds of all sizes, of the mill [undecipherable] and many sufficiently short and heavy it may be applied to the 18 pounders, but have inclined to think it has better be provided for its original use. I am [undecipherable] his [undecipherable] on [undecipherable] the loss and since have [undecipherable] been to determine the necessary quantity. Those [undecipherable] Mr. [undecipherable] lands the cast on [undecipherable] to [undecipherable] hundred [undecipherable] cause and Will take particular care of the Ship Carpenters [undecipherable] and will present accomodations they may be [undecipherable]. I will make a proper use of your hints and respects your additional [undecipherable] decisions particularly [undecipherable] than you will find in the papers. A [undecipherable] is missing from the store which is supposed may be [a] mistake in [undecipherable] into [undecipherable]. I [undecipherable] not suppose you can be asked to pay until I receive you on this account I notice [undecipherable] his receipt is [undecipherable] my part. I am Sir Your most Ob't Servant Mr. [undecipherable] Craig Samuel Hodgdon