Philadelphia 5 Dec^r 1798 Sir By a vessel that sailed on Saturday evening for New York I forwarded sundry Packages of Clothing for the Troops at Oswego to Melancton Smith with directions to send them to you with all possible Speed— When they arrive with you I shall expect that you make immediate arrangements to get them to their destination without a moments delay— I think it will be best to go with them to Schenectady to know that they are Shipped and forwarded from thence and that under Circumstances to prevent any detention at any Post where they may afterwards arrive— If the transporta—tion by Water should be found impracticable on account of the late Season of the year, you must send them by land, for at all events they should meet their destination— Enclosed you have a Copy of the Invoice which you will forward with the inclosed letter to the Commanding Officer at Oswego which also covers an invoice of the Articles forwarded I am Sir Yr. Mo. Ob. Serv^t Samuel Hodgdon Capt. M^s Houdin