[Address panel: William Douglas / hic Do — [undecipherable] / Captain [undecipherable] his [undecipherable] / [undecipherable] Wilmington] [Oval stamp: Received from State Dep't. Nov. 24, 1801. F.O. 401810.] Sam^l Hodgdon Esq^r Lumberton October 5^th 1798 Sir [Received from State Dep't. Nov. 21, 1801. F.O. 401810.] On W^m Nathan Jones having written to you (at my request), respecting the freight of the Goods sent in the Sloop Trimmer to Wilmington; and finding by your answer to him, that the money will not be paid until the Bill of Lading is produced, with a receipt for their delivery: I have further to request you Sir, to suspend the payment, should the Bill of Lading be produced in form until you see Joseph Cooper, (the owner of the Sloop) or myself, as the Captain, who is in possession of all the papers, may take measures to secure it; which we wish to prevent. I shall hold myself accountable for any damages, that may be incurred in your withholding the money: and you will particularly oblige the owner and myself in attending to the above, as it of some consequence to us.— I am Sir Your obedient Servant— William Douglas