[Postal endorsement, top right, written at angle: Pittsburg 16^th May 1798] [Address panel: James Hodgdon Esq. / Philadelphia] [Below fold: Samuel [undecipherable]] --- Pittsburg May 18^th 1798 Sir I have received your letters of the 7 & 11^th instant, the former by George Todd, the Express, with whom I have settled twenty dollars advanced by you and placed that sum to your credit. The note enclosed in yours of the 11^th respecting [undecipherable] received [undecipherable] shall command immediate attention. The Garden Seeds addressed to Col^o Largent were sent forward in due time by a safe hand, who I presume has delivered them and Captain Harman acknowledges the receipt of his linen. In Mr Humphreys' instructions for building the Galley, he [undecipherable: requires] Howitzers to be mounted on the Stem and Quarter, the Howitzers are not yet come forward. The Commander in Chief has shewn me a Requisition he has made for Ordnance [undecipherable] for the Mississippi Posts, on which [undecipherable] a large quantity of Lead is required. This Requisition led me to make Enquiry respecting Lead procured from the Mines of S^t Louis and I have assurance that there is now deposited near Ste Masse— Eighty thousand pounds of lead which may be purchased at 13— per [undecipherable: Ct]. I mention this in order that the Secretary of War or Purveyor may be informed of it. — Several of the Owners of Furnaces, in this County, have offered their Services in casting these, that, & cannon on moderate terms. I have this day found it necessary to draw on you— in favor of General Neville at ten days sight for one thousand dollars which please to pay and charge [undecipherable]. In a Memorandum given to Major Kirkpatrick he was directed to purchase for me a Quarter Cask of Sherry Wine notwithstanding payment of my account, the Wine has not been purchased. I have therefore to beg of you to purchase and send me a Quarter Cask of such as I had last by the first safe conveyance — The Galley is to be launched Tomorrow. I am, Sir, Your Obedient Servant [signature: undecipherable] [Marginal note: Enclos'd you will Mr [undecipherable: Woodbridge's] letter express'd to Mr [undecipherable] [undecipherable] waggan] Samuel Hodgdon Esquire Philadelphia