Philadelphia 6^th December 1798. Sir, Captain Dunn who leaves this City this day for New York takes with him in addition to the [strikethrough: Oswego] Articles four Hogsheads containing clothing for the Troops at Niagara. they are consigned to [strikethrough: M] Allanson Smith who is directed to forward them to you without a moments delay, by Land if the Navigation of the River should be impeded – and you also will do the same after they arrive with you – If the usual water transportation from your Post to Oswego & Niagara should be [strikethrough: shut] you must provide Land Carriage on the best terms you can for at all events the clothing must reach its ultimate destination, if practicable, in any way Let the letters to the Commanding Officers accompany the Packages Your letter of the 29^th ultimo came to hand yesterday, I shall write you fully on their contents shortly I am Sir Your Most Obedient Servant Samuel Hodgdon Cap^t Michael G Houdin Philadelphia 6^th December 1798. Sir By order of the Secretary of War I send to your address via New York & albany the Articles of Clothing inserted in the enclosed Invoice. I am fearful the Season is too far advanced to admit their getting speedily to hand, but I have made every exertion in my power since the Clothing has been received to effect it, and I hope my fears will not be well founded or realized. I will thank you to inform me when you receive them and the order in which they get to hand – being packed in tight Casks I have a right to expect they will get safely to hand I am Sir Your Most Obedient Servant Samuel Hodgdon Officer Commanding at Niagara