Joseph Perkins 23 September 1798 Recd 3 Octo Answ 13 - [undecipherable] Sept 28 – [undecipherable] Samuel Hodgdon Philadelphia 138 Harpers Ferry Sepr 23-98 Sir I here by inform you that Mr. Small and my self arrived here on Friday the 20 Inst and found here Mr Mackey who furnished me with your letter The Tools from New London are not yet come to hand and I feel that we shall be in want of them before they come as our Shop will be Soon in order to commence Business and work men are dealy ofring their Services Charles Williams and Adam Bauer are here and other hands will be here from New London in a few days, and if we cant imploy them they will be obliged to seek it some were else which in these times when gunsmiths are so much wanted will be a great disapointment I Shall be very glad if you will let me know as Soon as you thinke that I can come to Philada with safty to get my Tools as they consist of artickles that cannot be Purchased and which must be had as Soon as we begin to make Lock. There are all so a good maney work men in and about the City who have applyed to me for to be imployed here and whom I have Promiced to imploy on my return. I hope you will not take my not calling on you on my return from Trent Town amiss as I was fearfull of geting the Fever. I am Sir with much respect Your very humble Servant Joseph Perkins P S since writing The above I have received a letter from Mr. Lear informming me that he hath acceeded to the Terms offerd him by the minister of war for the Purchase of his Stoor