Philadelphia 25^th May 1798. Sir, I have been so engaged that I could not write you at the time mentioned in my last. I have converse with the Secretary of War on the Several Subjects contained in your letter, and as he informs me he shall reply to your letter to him this day I need not be particular — The two 24 [undecipherable: probable reading Pdrs] will remain here for the present, eventually where they are found most wanted they will be sent — The twelve Pounders Brass which are ordered from Albany to West point where they will be fitted to a compleat set of Field Carriages made for them will answer the purpose of a moving Battery as you propose much better in my Opinion than any other Iron Guns of a larger Calibre could such be obtained, which at present is not the case — those Guns the Secretary consents shall be delivered to you, and I shall order them accordingly to your address, there are eight of them, which is perhaps a greater number than you may need, if so, a further disposition of them will be made — We have plenty of 8 Inch Howitzers as well as 5½ Inch — if either may be made usefull I doubt not they may be obtained — of this you can advise me — I am Sir Your most Obedient Servant Samuel Hodgdon Col. Ebenezer Stevens P script Since writing the above, the Secretary has shewn me a letter to your address a part of which relates to shifting the Powder from the Boxes lately purchased which are represented as shattered and therefore unserviceable to contain it — whenever this is found to be the case you will please to procure Casks to contain one hundred Pounds not — the following is the dimensions of those made here twenty three Inches long and fourteen broad at the head measuring from out to out to be made of the best white Oak Staves well seasoned and full bound with two copper hoops at each head, the dimensions give room for the powder to shift when rolled, and the hoops will preserve the Casks both in the Magazine & when transporting. J.H.