[Address: Col. Samuel Hodgdon, Philadelphia] [Stamp: 287 / Received from / Nov 30 / B.E.C. 4101310] Penn's Valley, 16^th August 1798 Dear Sir [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [Nov. / R.P.O. 20.] It has been suggested in this Country that the President has it in Contemplation to establish an Arsenal at Carlisle. If so I would request the Favor of you to inform me of it as early as convenient & in that Case I would take the Liberty of recommending Joseph Admiston Esq^r of this Country, to the Superintendancy of it, or such other Appointment as by his Qualifications he might be found entitled. Some Years ago when such a Thing was spoken of Mr. Admiston applied & was strongly recommended. But as it would be improper to say much on the Subject of his Merit & Qualifications without knowing whether such an Arrangement is in Contemplation, I shall forbear saying any Thing farther respecting them, than barely that he is a Man of some Property, can have Security to any reasonable Amount & is liable to no Objection that I know of, except that he is rather too much tinctured with what your Side of the House calls Federalism, but what we perhaps with more Propriety denominate [underline: Aristocracy.] I beg you to let me hear from you on this Subject & to believe me to be with the most perfect Esteem your most obed.^st & friend Andrew Gregg Col: Sam.^l Hodgdon P.S. Permit me to solicit your Interposition in Behalf of a certain George Armstrong who has applied for a Subaltern's Commission & who is I believe a very meritorious young Man—