174 Philadelphia 9^th August 1793 Sir, I have read with attention M^r Harris's Letter which you referred to me — My sentiments as they relate to situations similar to the present are well known — When fear so far prevails as to become the predisposing cause of the disease feared, let the situation of the person be what, it may he ought to remove — This is evident. M^r Harris is very much alarmed, of course if the above conclusions are just he ought to be permitted to retire to a more safe retreat — But with respect to a removal of the Stores, the danger in my opinion is not so great as to Warrant such a derangement to say nothing of the cost — All the articles in the Store must be supposed to be free of infection, many of them are essential to the support and comfort of the Army and Posts for which they were provided and under existing circumstances every effort should be made to forward them to their several destinations — To suffer ourselves to fall by the sword, while we are on by fearing death by disease is not rational — To keep the Store in safety and the business going on, it will be proper to secure the services of as many of the Persons belonging to it as are willing to continue in it — If deserted, or only partially attended to, accident or design may destroy it and its contents, an evil more serious in its nature and effects than any other I can conceive of — With the men thus detained, a Guard may if found necessary be added — and with this and some person of more information to attend to the receipts and deliveries the business of the Store may be carried on, and the Public business at this critical moment most certainly requires this — On the whole it is clearly my opinion the Stores ought not to be removed — present circumstances are opposed to the measure in every view — If the disorder should become general and the People attached to the Store should be disposed to leave it, while my life and health remains I will use my best endeavours as formerly to keep all active and secure — Sam Sir Your most Obed^t Serv^t Samuel Hodgdon James M^c Henry Esq^r Secretary of War