Philadelphia 23^rd August 1792 Sir, I am directed by the Secretary of War to send, to Goat Island near Newport Rhode Island, a number of heavy Cannon Implements Powder & Ball. The Cannon I shall order from Providence. The Implements I send from hence to your address with a request that you will reship them with seventy four Barrels of Cannon Powder equal to seven thousand, four hundred weight & 700, twenty five pounder Shot & 300 eighteen pounder Shot of those in the hands of M^r Bleggs cast by M^r Fursch, if the sizes and numbers can be found among them which in your judgement will answer this purpose. The whole to the address of Cap^t W^m Littlefield commanding on Goat Island. You will excuse the trouble I give you, as I have no other means in my power which insures dispatch and information in transacting the business. The expence incurring, I will cheerfully pay. I am Sir Your most Ob^t. Servant Samuel Hodgdon Col^o. B. Simens New York