[Addressed to:] Samuel Hodgdon Esq^r [undecipherable] Philadelphia. [Sent by / Mr. Whitney] [undecipherable: Timo. Pickering?] [undecipherable] --- [Received from State De[partmen]t / [Nov.] 24 [1]8[98] / N[o.] 40[13:10]] Savannah, 25^th July 1798. My dear friend M^r. Whitney, who came out to this country with me as conductor of military Stores, has obtained leave of absence for a few months — he will visit Philadelphia, on his route to the eastward — He has a great desire to enter the Corps of Artillery; and I have taken the liberty to recommend him to you and request you would exert your influence to procure him an appointment — He is an honest man who has faithfully discharged his duty in this country; he is esteemed by all who know him — and he would not disgrace an appointment — Without an awkward exterior he possesses a heart filled with sentiments of honor and integrity — I am certain you will enter into my views to favor him. It would afford me the greatest pleasure to hear of the welfare of your and family — but it would be much greater to witness it; in person. This is however a [undecipherable] selfish wish because I should certain see my wife if I saw your family — My best respects to M^r Hodgdon [undecipherable] Hodge, Blanchard and their good ladies — I am with great Esteem, my dear friend Your sincerely [undecipherable: L. Pont. Friemans?] Samuel Hodgdon Esq^r.