Philadelphia 10^th August 1799. Sir By order of the Secretary of War I have sent to your address via Norfolk the articles inserted in the enclosed invoice and Bill of lading, which in the first instance will be delivered to Cap^t Blackburn to whom I have written requesting him either to forward them to you, or notify you of their arrival. I hope they will get speedily to hand, and I will thank you to let me know when you receive them, the order they come in, and whether they agree with the invoice. I am Sir your most obedient Servant, Samuel Hodgdon L^t John Hancock Stauntonville Philadelphia 10^th August 1799. Sir I am under the necessity of troubling you with a small business which I cannot effect without your aid. So little intercourse is found between this place and North Carolina, that I am constrained to furnish a recruiting party at Charlotte with the supplies necessary for recruits through you. I shall be greatly obliged by your receiving the articles to your address in the enclosed Bills of lading, and sending them forward with the letter for Lieut Patrick C Harris by the most speedy conveyance. Any expense attending the business shall be cheerfully reimbursed by your most Ob^t Servant Samuel Hodgdon Barnes Simmons Esq^r