[Comptroller's Office] Samuel Hodgdon Esquire Superintendant of Military Stores Philadelphia— [Endorsed: Comptroller's Office / To Hodgdon / Superintendent / Philadelphia / 1790] Treasury Department Comptroller's Office June 4. 1798.— Sir, I have now under consideration the account of John Wilkins Quarter Master General for disbursements made at Philadelphia by you as his Agent between the 1^st July 1796 and the 31^st December 1797. In abstract 4 I find a charge for six thousand dollars paid to H. De Butts for a Sloop of sixty five tons burthen purchased at Detroit said to be by order of the Secretary at War. This sum appears to be so far above the true value of such a vessel that I am induced to request an explanation respecting it. To this end you will be pleased to furnish me with the authority under which the purchase was made in the first instance and some evidence that in making the payment you acted under the sanction of the Secretary at War. The original bill drawn on him which must be in your possession is also desired as a necessary part of the voucher. — I am, Sir, very respectfully Your Ob^t Serv^t. [signature] Samuel Hodgdon Esq^r.