Philad^a Aug^t 30. 1798. Dear Sir Nothing but the dictates of stern necessi=ty could have induced me to apply to you at this time. my Wife is now laying sick with the pre=vailing disorder, she is on the recovery; but the expen[se] it has thrown me into, and by emancipation of my [undecipherable] [strikethrough: am entirely] deprived of Business, if it is in your power to loan to me the Sum of three or four dollars untill the present calamity subsides I shall be forever ablidg'd. Every security in my power to grant I will give to ensure repayment. I am Dear Sir with every Sentiment of respect[fully] — Your Friend &c. James Boyer Samuel Hodgdon Esq^r. [Address leaf: Samuel Hodgdon Esq^r / [Commissary General's?] office; Addrefs; [Received / State Dep't. / Nov. 24. 1834 / P.O. 401310.]; [(3/3)]]