Philad^a 5^th October 1798 — Dear Sir Your two letters came duly to hand. The situation of our City has deranged all Business, and accounts for the detention of the Stationary — I have it now in store and will forward it as soon as possible, — I am pleased to find the Buildings in forwardness and that Some hands already offer to commence the Business at the Post — The fever seems to abate and promises a restitution of our Citizens an event devoutly to be wished, for Winter — rugged winter approaches, when again all will lay dormant — I have written to M^r Holt assuring him to send forward all the Armourers tools in his keeping that are fit for use, these with what M^r Perkins has, I expect will be sufficient to begin with except perhaps in some few Particulars — I shall be glad to receive your estimate of the probable expences of the present Quarter — Your instructions you will recollect determines the times for rendering your accounts the first of which I conclude will be made up to the last of the Year — Dango has been down with the fever, has been severely handled, but is on the recovery — My family are well and desires a kind remembrance to you — I hope your situation will prove profitable and agreeable every thing in my power shall be done to make it so —— Be pleased to inform M^r Perkins, I have rec^d his letter but have not time to answer it by this post, but will do it by the next, He informs me M^r Lee accedes to his help of loans terms respecting the store, this will make that part of the business easy — I will inform M^r Perkins when the disease permits persons to come to the City in safety — But I am not certain that it will be best for him to come on, unless the removal of his family is the object of this I shall write him adieu — with sentiments of esteem I am Sir Your most Obed^t Servant Samuel Hodgdon M^r John Mackey