Philadelphia 7^th September 1798 Sir, This morning I received your letter of the 6^th inst, the information received from the War Office is not correct, on the 9^th May I received an order to forward 4 twenty four pounders to Savannah to the address of John Habersham, they were shipped at Rhode Island on the 11^th of May on board the Hermes Oliver Cash Master, bound for Charleston to the address of James Simonons Collector, as no direct conveyance to Savannah could be found or indeed expected from thence for some time. Mr Simonons was requested to forward them without delay, they arrived safely at Charleston & was accordingly sent from thence to their destination. With the above Cannon were forwarded 4 of the same Calibre for Charleston, & 4 for George Town South Carolina. (With sentiments of respect & esteem) I am Sir Your most Obedient Servant, Samuel Hodgdon B. Stoddert Esq^r. Secretary of the Navy