Philadelphia 12^th November 1798. Sir, I have received your letter of this date, and immediately called at your Office to relate the tale of disappointment relative to the Pattern Muskets, too long to commit to writing. I had not the pleasure of finding you in your Office. I will wait on you tomorrow for this purpose. In the mean time permit me to inform you that I have every rational reason to conclude that the Guns reached their destination soon after the date of the letter which informed you they were not arrived. No part of duty has more engaged my attention nor has any part been more unfortunate and mortifying. I trust I am able to convince you that every thing in my power has been done to comply with your wishes in this business. With respectful Consideration I am Sir, Yr. Mo: Ob: Serv^t Samuel Hodgdon Oliver Wolcott Esq^r