[Major James Craig / 4^th May 1798 / Rec'd —] [Samuel Hodgdon Esquire / Philadelphia] [Received from State Dep't Nov. 24. 1[undecipherable] / R.P.O.401310.] Pittsburg 4^th May 1798. Sir, Your letter of the 27^th covering papers respecting the Ship Carpenters together with the Muster Papers are received, all the Men whose Signatures appear on the General Agreement together with James Overman arrived the day before Yesterday, and next day began to work. I expect the Galley will be launched some time next week. The Commander in Chief has made a Requisition for a large quantity of Stores being immediately shipped from this place and deposited at Walnut Hills on Missis-pi, one of the Articles required is one thousand five hundred pounds of Oakum which cannot be procured at this place and therefore I have to beg of you to have that quantity sent forward immediately. The Trucks for the Gun Carriages [have not] yet arrived, they are much wanted in order to complete the Carriages of the Guns, which the General is anxious to have sent forward. Brass Chambers for the pumps and Copper Nails for lining Magazine of the Gallies is wanted immediately. I have this day found it necessary to draw on you in favor of Gen. John Neville at ten days sight for one thousand Dollars which be pleased to pay and charge as usual. I am Sir, Your very Obd Ser [undecipherable] Samuel Hodgdon Philad[elphia]