Philadelphia 17.^th April 1798. Sir, I have compared General Wilkinsons Return with that enclosed to me by the Quarter Master General and find them distinct and separate things. The Quarter Master Generals Estimate embraces nothing more than the usual requisitions for the Garrisons and Posts known and provided for in former Estimates — But Wilkinsons Estimate is confined to a specific object which I conceive the Quarter Master General has no knowledge of. the Genl. Estimate requires to be digested and the Sum necessary to provide the articles to be stated, on notice thereof will do it. if not I will enter on the other business assigned me. to do it, much information, that I do not at present possess must be obtained. I return the Generals Estimates. I am Sir Your most Obedient Servant Samuel Hodgdon James McHenry Esq. Philadelphia 18.^th April 1798. Sir, Having received information of several Pieces of Ordnance belonging to the United States being at [undecipherable], I inquired of M^r George Salamer respecting them. He informs me there is Eight or perhaps more 6# Pounders which were formerly on board the vessel fitted for the River Service at the close of the last War, which he conceives to be the property of the United States, and refers me to you for further particulars concerning them. Will you be good enough to drop me a line on the Subject, that I may with full information know what is proper to be done respecting them. Guns of that Caliber are much wanted at this time for Public use. Sam^l Sir Your Most Obed. Serv. Samuel Hodgdon Henry Siteems Esq. In Senate