Philadelphia 8^th May 1798. Sir, Enclosed you have a Copy of a letter to my address from the Secretary of War, relative to a quantity of [strikethrough: Salt Peter] purchased by you in the year ninety four and now remaining in your hands. You will perceive I am directed to bring it with all convenient speed to this City, and that under circumstances of perfect security. On the receipt of this letter you will please to make immediate dispositions for having the Ptre put into Shipping order and Shipped to my address in this City, giving my notice by Post of the Shipment and when the Vessel that has it on board will sail that may the Insurance as directed. On receipt of the Ptre I will forward a receipt to enable you to close your account for the purchase — I am Sir Your most Obedient Servant Samuel Hodgdon M^r Thomas Lloyd Halsey Philadelphia 11^th May. 1798. Sir, I have at length obtained a written answer to my applications to the Bank relative to the missing [undecipherable] notes: I inclose it for your perusal and subsequent Instructions with Sentiments of esteem — I am, Sir, Your most obedient Servant — Samuel Hodgdon John Steele Esq^r. Comptroller. —