Now I have all four pages. Let me transcribe the letter. [undecipherable] [addressed:] to the Samuel Hodgdon Esquire [addressed:] Philadelphia Springfield Aug^t 14. 1796 Sir, I received your favour of the 8 instant, and would inform you that the Guns were cleaned last September, I should not have troubled you on the subject had not the Secretary at War urged the dispatch of making arms, they shall be set about immediately and put in as good order as possible. The President has paid us a visit on his return home and was well pleased with the view of the works, As the Secretary of war is [undecipherable: probable reading: unable] to do business I should be glad if it would not be considered amiss to say that we want some more Assistant Armourers such as are Understanding in mechanical Arts & have respect to œconomy, industry & good morals, would be usefull at this time, I mentioned a M^r Fobes some time past & he has been most substantially recommended for this business by the Honble M^r Reed & Lyman & doubt not he would give good Satisfaction to the public as well as all that are here and tis only such men that will do the Public service, A M^r Perkins was also mentioned for the same business; and are both wanting; if your Sir could use your influence for the Appointment of those persons for the above business it would highly promote the general good and success of the business here. — I am with much respect and Esteem your most Oble Serv. David Ames P.S [undecipherable] have by accident been informed that had it not been for for your kind and timly interposition [on] this place all the Public officers [on] this place [would] have been definitly [undecipherable] from Office for which Sir I return you my most Sincere & hearty thanks I have always took a peculiar pleasure in obeying all the orders Rec.^d as fully as possible — I wish I could have the satisfaction of seeing you here on this [undecipherable] and that those who are disposed to find fault would show the Public [undecipherable: probable reading: greater] proofs of workmanship could with dispatch & economy — This would be doing more [undecipherable] to the [undecipherable]. I have left no stone [undecipherable] that would lead to [undecipherable] the [undecipherable] interest at this place — But this is a delicate point and more [undecipherable] some impartial observers would say on this matter than my Self. I am Sir your humble Servant David Ames Col. Samuel Hodgdon Esquire