[250] Sir Philad^a 15^th October 1798. Owing to a misunderstanding between the proprietors of the Stage, the Box containing [undecipherable: Six] Pattern [undecipherable: Charlottville] Musick which I thought by my agreement were with you, did not leave this City until this Morning. This expensive mode was imposed, their being no other conveyance either by land or water. — I trust they will be with you to morrow, but fearing [undecipherable] has taken place here that they may be further detained on the road, I give you this information of their departure — I have paid the transportation to Baltimore — I am Sir Your most Obed^t Yr^s Samuel Hodgson John Hilley Esq^r Sir Philad^a 15^th October 1798 Your two letters under dates of the 23 ultimo and 7 instant came early to hand — Shape of the tools from New London are not already, [undecipherable] they will be with you shortly — But why are those purchased of you [undecipherable] — not on the spot I concluded that as soon as purchased they would be forwarded, and having that you had sold I concluded you had undertaken to get them to your present Post — If that is not the case and [undecipherable] information who would deliver them [undecipherable] endeavour to get them forwarded with the Stationery — under present circumstances it is very difficult to get any thing to go short of a whole load. I think from present appearances you may safely come to the City, in ten days — and I think it more than probable I shall not be able to [undecipherable] unless on very extravagant terms in [undecipherable] time — with your effects what I have to forward may go in reasonable terms — The workmen are generally gone from the city — M^r Cormack has left most of his men, and is I am informed doing little or nothing — I mention this to point out the propriety of [undecipherable] engagement any hands that you know to be good that may offer at you [undecipherable]. [undecipherable] you may not be completely ready, to let the [undecipherable] to work — every thing must have a beginning of any extensive work is always for a while unproductive. I am glad there is a cordial understanding relative to the purchase of the [undecipherable]