Springfield August [th]e [undecipherable: 22^d?] 1795 Sir [undecipherable] [undecipherable] of the [undecipherable] in the[m] at this Post in the month of June and July according to promise in mind of the [undecipherable] and would acquaint you we have got [undecipherable] again Cap^t Bryant has mentioned the propriety of cleaning the French armed in the Stores, if it is your pleasure to have them done I wish you would informe me of it as soon as possible - as it will be much more convenient to due them now considering the arangment we are making than fore or five weeks hence. There has a Gentleman by the Name of Col Larzett in the [County] of Plmouth in this State has made application to purch[undecipherable] barrels that were burst and condemed in proving by M^r Nicholson [undecipherable] and repare for the Militia: they are now intirely usless to us and will soon be covered with rust, & if sold while clean would fetch the Public as much as 150 or 200 hundred dollars, including the refuse Bayonets and rods on hand - if carefuly attended to by some faithfull hand they may be made usefull for the above purpose, but for old iron they would not command a forth of that Sum — Sir desired that you would please to favour me with an answer to the above as soon as you can. I am Sir With respect & esteem your most obedient & very humble Servant David Ames Col^t Samuel Hodgdon [Turn over] I hope Sir it will not be thought strange that so many of the barrels made here should be left in the operation - considering the quality of the Iron we have had to work and the proof they were put to - which is very near two fifths more in strength and quantity than is directed by the Secretary at War to be use for that [purpose]. I shall write you again on the receipt of your Answer to his. your very obedient & sincere friend David Ames [Col^o Hodgdon]