Sir, Philadelphia 3^d May, 1798 As soon as possible after you receive this letter, you will send to New York to the address of Melaneton Smith Esquire, six [undecipherable] & eight inch Howitzers, and 2 three pounder Brass Ordnance with their Carriages and implements complete. Send by the same conveyance, 2000 one pound Ball. 2000 Eighteen pounder ditto. 400. twenty four pounder ditto. 2000 five and a half inch Shells that have been proven, and that are now known to be good. 1000 Eight inch ditto. You may stipulate for the freight to be paid by M^r Smith, to whom I shall write on the subject. I shall rest assured that your knowledge of Artillery service will compleat the pieces with every requisite for [undecipherable] enforcements related to their equipment. Lose no time in making the transport and inform me when they go forward and whatever relates to them. I am Sir your most Ob^t Servant. Cap^t [undecipherable], James Hodgdon