immediately forwarded, and I confidently trust that the necessary orders will be given. By a Waggon that leaves this City to day I send to your Son Musicians clothing for his Drummer and Fifer. The drafts have been so great for the recruiting Service, that we have not a compleat Suit in Store; Meats & Woolen Overalls are wanting, but we expect a supply of them daily. The sickness has deranged every Department, and is an apology for the nonperformance of all our contracts. I hope, ere long we shall again get in our gear to use St Clair's expression on another occasion. I shall be happy at all times to receive your communications nor will they at any time be considered, as interferences in the smallest degree With sentiments of respect & esteem I am Sir Yo. mo. ob^t. Serv^t. Gen^l. W^m. Irvine Samuel Hodgdon Philadelphia 31^st August 1793 Sir, Your letter of the 24^th instant is before me. The sickness continues, 40 deaths are reported within the last 24 hours. The City is nearly deserted, myself and family remain and all at present perfectly well. The several drafts you mention shall meet due honour. I have said every thing I could to induce the Secretary of War to make payment on your claim which he as well as all others admits to be just, but hitherto without effect. I will try again the moment I am able to discharge your debt to Fenno, You say not a word about the Ship Carpenters, their families are applying for the usual advance & I know not how to act, keep me informed on this business. Fenno's Papers shall come as you request. adieu Your most Ob^t Servant Isaac Craig Samuel Hodgdon Sir, Philadelphia 31^st August 1793 Your letter of the 30^th inst^t is before me. The Charlotte Muskets of the best kind may be furnished for Patterns from Springfield, West Point and Philadelphia, it would be unsafe to rely on any other Posts or deposits for Patterns for at all three places they may be selected officially, and put into a perfect state as they ought to be. I never deliver one for such purposes without having it taken to pieces, examined and cleaned, for the least Blemish would be taken advantage of by the eagle eye of the Contractor. General [undecipherable] in a letter received this morning enquires whether any repairs are to be made on the building at [undecipherable] the Raven is wanting, and materials should be provided. Boards Shingles & Scantling must be spoken for some time before they are wanted, not being much in demand they are not kept for Sale as in large Towns. A [undecipherable] Man of this City wishes to be employed in making [undecipherable: Charcoal?] and he offers to make 500 bu 4 months at 7[undecipherable] Doll each [continues]