Philadelphia 15^th August 1798 Sir, I have received your letter of the 15^th inst. Most sincerely do I sympathize with you under the severe stroke you mention. I am much obliged by your prompt attention to the Articles consigned, and I shall most certainly continue to call for your assistance as occasions require. The Invoice for the Articles, Mres. and nails, from was put into a letter to Cap^t David Ames address and forwarded with the other papers as it appears not to have reached you. I enclose another Invoice, which I wish you to send with the Articles. I am Sir Your most obt servant M^r Melancton Smith Samuel Hodgdon Philadelphia 15^th August 40 Clock Sir, Since writing the letter that accompanies this Major Donald has handed me the enclosed Certificate which I hope and trust will avail him. If General Knox was present, I am certain his application would be successful. In the deserted State of the City I have thought it prudent to hire and place a nightly watch over the Store, I am sure it will meet your approbation. We have an enemy without that I mean to watch and regard more narrowly than that within. I will never loose sight of the Terrible Republick as it threatens more than the Yellow Fever in its worst fate — James M^cHenry Esq Respectfully Secretary of War Yours Samuel Hodgdon