Philadelphia 11^th May 1798 Sir I have received your letter of the 4^th instant, am glad to find the Shipwrights are all arriving & at work. In my statement relative to their pay it will be found all were supposed to be entitled to the same pay per month — M^r Humphreys has since informed me Samuel Buck engaged for one and a half Dollar a day, you will conduct accordingly when you settle with him. I will make a requisition for the Oakum I forward it as soon as I received it. The Ducks for the Gun Carriages ought to have been with you when you went. I trust you received them soon afterwards. The Chambers for the Pumps and the Copper Nails shall command my immediate attention your Bill has been presented and honored — adieu Your most Obedient Servant Samuel Hodgdon Major Isaac Craig Philadelphia 11^th May 1798 Sir In a letter received from Major Craig this day I am informed twenty five hundred weight of Oakum is required by the Commander in Chief to be shipped immediately for the distant Hill Garrison on the Mississippi, that it cannot be procured nearer than from this City. You will please to direct the purchase and deposit that I may be able to get it forward immediately. Brass Chambers for the Pumps & Copper Nails are wanted for the Gallies, one of which it seems was to be launched as on this day — I am Sir Your Most Obed^t Serv^t Samuel Hodgdon James McHenry Es^q Sec^y of War