[Col. Samuel Hodgdon Esquire / Philadelphia] [Oval stamp: &35 78] [Postal notation: State 1M / Nov. 2[undecipherable] / 8.P.O.] [Endorsement: Captain [undecipherable] — / No [undecipherable] [undecipherable] / a return [undecipherable] [undecipherable]] Springfield June the 26 1790 Sir, Inclosed is a return of work done in the shop at this place in the month of May. The Stocking had got [undecipherable] being in consequence of the Stocks not coming on in Season. The other parts of the work are much as usual, how somever Should have turned in considerable more had not M^r Nicholson arrived as he did and the hands taken off there regular work to assist in proving the muskets made here— I am sorry to informe you that numbers of the barrels are left in proving under the inspection of M^r Nicholson, & that numbers more will be left before he has done. Whether tis right or wrong to prove them again [undecipherable] as they are is not for me to say— they were put into the Store for good armes & I am certain there could not be the least inducement to put any thing there, that would not answer the purpose for which it was made— the Iron has not been goode. I am Sir, With great respect & esteem your most obedient friend & Servant David Arnes — [Col. S Hodgdon]