fallen into improper hands, and at the instance of the Post Master General I have since waited under an expectation, that the letter might return into his Office; the Letters in the same direction have generally returned and have been examined; and no discovery being made, I have applied to the Bank for a renewal or Duplicates of the Notes which they refuse to give — their Circumstances; as the Money belongs to the Public, I have thought it adviseable to State the matter to you, and ask your direction to the measure [strikethrough: most suitable to] be pursued to obtain repayment of the Money — I am informed by Gentlemen of legal information that both the Bank and Post Office are liable for the Money, but I did not chuse to proceed in this way until I have your opinion on the Subject — Enclosed you have M^r Hodie's letter by which I was first informed of the miscarriage of the letter With Sentiments of respect & Esteem I am Sir Your Most Obedient Servant Samuel Hodgdon Philadelphia 21^st April 1795. Sir I have examined into the business of the Six Founder Cannon at a Mileport in Delaware State and mentioned to you by C^t Humphreys. they are the property of that State, yet if pressing necessity calls they may be obtained for the use of the United States either by purchase or loan — but from the information I have of their construction I do not think they will answer any purpose in view at present — I have seen old Donnaldson on the Subject of the twenty twelve Pounders at Baltimore — he says they are a very fine set of Guns, and may be possessed by the Public at a fair valuation — He will however name a price to me in two or three Days. I am &c — Samuel Hodgdon [James M. Harvey Esq^r]