Philadelphia 14 Nov^r 1798. Sir, A Vessel sails in two or three days for Alexandria and George Town, perhaps the last that may be found for those places this Season. M^r Perkins wishes to avail himself of this conveyance to take on his furniture, and such parts of the Public Supplies for his Post as may be ready and proper to go by that route. but he finds himself at a loss to determine whither he is to wait to procure the Men expected to be picked up here, or whither they may be engaged by some other person. His presence he thinks of importance at his Post, and the advanced season of the Year, makes him anxious to proceed to it. He calls on me dayly and Seems pained at his Situation, and the more as he finds you so engaged that he cannot trespass on your time to State it. I have promised to mention it to you, and endeavour to obtain for him a conclusion that will End his Suspence. All the tools and materials of every kind hitherto provided are gone forward. A number of Articles are yet wanting. Sam Sir Your most Obedient Servant Samuel Hodgdon James M^cHenry Esq^r Sir, Philadelphia 16^th Nov^r 1798 I have recieved your favor of the 9^th instant. I shall be very happy to see you in this City, and hope permission will be given for that purpose. Every provision necessary for the Supply of the Army may then with full information be attended to. I have indeed Sacrificed much to duty, but as formerly it will be overlooked. I get a good deal of commendation, from our great men Since their return, and that I expect will be the only compensation — this time, I have kept my Post, when all the other Public Officers were fled. The Generals Washington and Hamilton are here with Pinckney. Knox has declined his Appointment. With Sentiments of Esteem, Sam. Sir Y^r most Obed^t Serv^t Samuel Hodgdon Col. John Wilkins J^r W. p^d [Page 283 BJA01]