[Address panel: War Department / Samuel Hodgdon Esqr / Superintendent Military stores / Philadelphia] [Docket: John Caldwell / 23 August 1798 / Rec'd [undecipherable]] War Offie. Trenton. 23. August. 1798. Dear Sir, Our accounts from the City, are gloomy indeed, so much so, that I have often indulged a wish, that your Office, had been removed with the rest — I sincerely hope however, that you have removed your family to a place of safety good wives, I know object to removing, when their husbands are to remain behind, I Think there is much of amiability in the objection — but I also think it is founded in error, for remove the family and a prudent husband would be safer — and the wife would not be precluded from returning [undecipherable] to support, and render her attentions, in case he should/ (which is not [undecipherable: pursuing?] the word) be visited with disease — On the other hand, when the fami-ly all remain exposed, how multiplied are the chances, of introducing in, and through the fami-ly-contagion — Pardon these observations, they have grown out of a sincere interest for you and yours — and have been forced from me, by a consideration of re-gret — That you have no longer, to avail yourself of that professional aids, and anxious attention, you heretofore could derive, from your worthy relative now no more — I am in lodgings at a Mr Howells — with Mr. McHenry's family — and pretty well off — I do not expect every possible convenience. travelling had long are taught me, this was a vain expectation — but I endeavour to be accommodating, by conforming to the rules of the family — and this endeavour is or has been repaid by kindnesses to me — in a word I should be very comfortably situated, was it not for the indis-position of Mr McHenry's eldest son — he is danger-ously ill, but not of Yellow fever — indeed I cannot name his disease — as Doctor Belleville himself is in uncertainty about it — attention to, and anxiety for his Child — also keeps Mr McHenry in a State of protracted convalescence — Mr Small who will deliver you this announces his departure — I must therefore conclude with sincere wishes, for the health and preservation of yourself and family — Yours unfeignedly sincerely — John Caldwell Col Samuel Hodgdon.