Philadelphia 5^th Oct 1798— Sir Yours of the 3^d instant I reced in answer to which — To prevent the receivers of Letters at this office, during the prevailing Sickness, I am obliged to pay the Postage upon all Letters addressed to you and have the trouble of Charging them and keeping regular Acct. from our present deranged Situation it would almost be impossible to act upon any other plan. you will therefore have the goodness to inform me Whether This arrangement meets your approbation — The bill of postage I have Enclosed which may Stand over to return to town as I do not wish to go to the City during the present prevailing Sickness — I am Sir your Most Obedient & Hum^ble S^rv Sam^l Hodgdon Esq^r Sam^l Park N.B. This Plan is agreed to by all the Merchants & Publick offices [address leaf:] Samuel Hodgdon Esq^r Philadelphia [notation, upper right:] Samuel Park Clark 5^th Oct 1798