[284] Philadelphia 16^th November 1798 Dear Sir, I am favoured with yours of the 9^th instant I am pleased to find you are making collections for our distressed Poor without Such assistance I do not how they can get through the approaching Winter the hand that has afflicted had in a remarkable manner comforted, by disposing all to lend their assistance. Such laudable liberality has scarcely ever appeared the hearts and hands of all Sum to be open. I am Sorry to find Jacob Diath has proved a rascal, if he comes here I will instantly arrest him. M^r Owens mother is dead and his family Seem to be uneasy for his return I cannot he be spared? Enclosed you have his Wifes receipt for another advance of thirty Dollars on his Account. I shall continue to Supply his until advised of his departure. I will endeavour to get the laws of Congress and Send them to you - adieu - Yours very Sincerely Samuel Hodgdon Major Isaac Craig, Philadelphia 17^th Nov^r 1798 Sir, On the receipt of your letter of the 15^th instant, I applied to Captain Jenkins to know when it would Suit him to take on board the Musket Stocks he informed me he was just arrived and not unloaded and could not probably receive them in less than a week, Since thence he informs me he has altered his voyage and does not go to Boston. I shall therefore Ship the Stocks by the first Vessel that Sails for that place. Several being almost ready to depart, they will probably be on the way in three or four days Yesterday I reed the first intimation from M^r Whitney of his wishing to receive the Stocks under order for him. His letter is dated 12^th Nov. [undecipherable] his days. I Shall send a Small depot from this place in the course of this Week to bring them, this will [undecipherable] be in Philad.^a in the course of ten days. I need only observe that the Stocks are ready and will be delivered at an hours notice. With Sentiments of respect & Esteem (Sam^l) Oliver Wolcott Esq^r Secretary of the Treasury. Your most Obed^t Serv^t Samuel Hodgdon