Philadelphia 31^st July 1798. Sir The United States are about erecting an Armory and Arsenal at Harpers Ferry on the Potowmac in the State of Virginia. a man of considerable extent & importance seems to be necessary to construct which the Secretary of War wishes your advice and assistance, on receipt of this you will please to come immediately to this City to enable him to determine on the Measures proper to be taken to compass what he has in view — You will call on me at my Office, under the Same Roof as the War Office, and I will introduce you to the Secretary — I am Sir Your most Obedient Servant Samuel Hodgson Intendant of Stores [M^r J^s Brindley] Philadelphia 31^st July 1798. Sir On board the Schooner John which Sails in a day or two, I have shipped to your address Clothing Arms and Accoutrements for fifty Men, I give you advice in this way by list that you may know when to expect them. A letter on board contains particular invoice when arrived I will thank you to advise me, and also whether they agree with the Invoice — I am Sir Your most Obed^t Serv^t Samuel Hodgdon [Cap^t Samuel Gates Boston]