[245] Philad^a 11^th October 1798 Sir The eight Pattern Muskets for Providence, Rhode Island and six for Baltimore are forwarded — Som busy circumstances would not permit my sending them earlier — On receiving your order I examined the Musket, and thought it in the usual order for service, I did not choose to deliver them for Patterns, until they were taken to pieces and examined, and accordingly called on M^r Nicholson to make the examination — He reported some amendments as necessary and they were put into the hands of the workmen to make them, and were expected to be returned in two or three days — Sickness, and death intervened and made it as many weeks before I could obtain them — They are now gone forward in a perfect State With sentiments of respect & esteem I am Sir Oliver Wolcott Esq^r Your most Ob^t Servant Samuel Hodgdon Philad^a 11^th October 1798 — Sir This Morning I received the enclosed Letter — I shall procure and forward an additional supply of Paper and also send some Wax and Wafers — Please to return the letter — The [last] thousand Stand of Arms with sundry other supplies were delivered in Wilmington North Carolina on the 3 of September, the receipt came to hand yesterday — I am Sir Your most Ob^t Servant Samuel Hodgdon James McHenry Esq^r