Philadelphia, 11^th December 1798 Sir I have received an Account of the safe arrival of the Pattern Muskets at Rhode Island in good order. I hope the Clothing shipped by Captain Dunns will be with you as soon as this letter, he sailed on Saturday last — a part is for Oswego and a part for Niagara, the first is exceedingly wanted at the Post as the Soldiers are said to be illy provided with Clothing for their Northern situation — I have conversed with Wigln on the Subject of their transportation — he says they may go up North River as far as Poughkeepsie from whence they may go by lands to Albany and from whence by the way of Schenectady to Fort Stanwix on Schuyler, and from thence take their chance for getting to Oswego — I earnestly hope they will get through, and I have made every rational arrangement & exertion to insure it — but the Season is so far advanced and severe; and of course I have my doubts whether it is practicable — I am Sir Your Most Obedient Serv^t Samuel Hodgdon M^r Melancton Smith