[124.] Philadelphia 13^th June 1798 Sir Agreeably to your request I enclose copies of the letters shewn you this morning, on the subject of the debt, due the Public by Mess^rs Whelen & Millet, and at the request of M^r Whelen, I inform you he acknowledges the Debt, and considers himself bound to discharge it, but at present he is unable to do it. He hopes to obtain the Collectorship of this Port, for which he has made application, in case he succeeds he will give security for the payment of the money. This he authorizes me to engage. Right of Bonner due the Public 20,700 pounds With respect & esteem I am sir Your most Obedient servant Oliver Wolcott Esq^r Secretary of the Treasury U. S. Samuel Hodgdon