[108] I did not conceive myself at liberty to make any inquiry relative to the conduct of it, I am therefore intirely uninformed as to the true nature of the Vessel, the necessity of submitting to imposition, or any other circumstances that may have operated to the injury of the United States. With respect & esteem, I am Sir Your most Ob^t Servant, John Steel Esq^r Samuel Hodgdon Comptroller. Philadelphia 2^d June 1798. Sir, The price of Powder Casks here cannot be accurately known, as the Public have been in the practice of purchasing the Copper and drawing and furnishing the Hoops to the Coopers. The Casks without the Hoops cost eight Shillings each, the hoops has probably brought them up to ten Shillings — this information will assist you in making the purchase of such as you have occasion to contract for. Colonel Pickering wrote you some time ago requesting you to examine the large Shot in the keeping of M^r Blagg and report their State — I conclude they will answer the Artilerie demand and they are much wanted for that purpose several Vessels here are waiting for that Supply — I expect to go to Elizabeth and perhaps to York some time next week to determine the fate of the Shot and Hartledge cast by M^r Parrish for the Public — the parties have agreed to rest on my decision — we have most of every thing of the kind that can be collected for the orders are numerous. Sam^l Sir Your most Obed^t Serv^t Col^o Ebeneza Stevens Samuel Hodgdon