[addressed to: Sam^l Hodgdon Esq^r / Richmond Virginia — / Philad^a for April [undecipherable]] [seal] [Addressed: Sam^l Hodgdon Esq^r] Philad^a Aug 7^th 1798 Sam^l Hodgdon Esq^r Sir This will be handed you by M^r Jonathan Phillips, whom I beg leave to introduce to your patronage as a deserving person & whose name as an applicant for a birth in [undecipherable] the public Works under your directions. I just had the pleasure of mentioning to you [undecipherable] all on appointment of which he may be judged [undecipherable] all; Shall cheerfully become responsible for [undecipherable] with great respect I have the honor to be Sir Your most Obed^t [undecipherable] Serv^t Edw^d [undecipherable: Lynch?]