Philadelphia 17^th December 1798 Sir, I have received your letter of this date covering an abstract of Articles purchased by Ebenezer Stevens agent for the War Department at New York between the 1^st September and the 30^th November of the present year — I shall immediately cause the proper Entries to be made to hold him accountable for their due application I am Sir Yr. Most Obedent Serv^t Samuel Hodgdon William Simmons Esq^r Accountant Dep^t of War Philadelphia 11^th December 1798 Sir M^r Connelly Master Armourer at Harpers Ferry with the Men mentioned in my letter of the 19^th instant, are still waiting your orders to proceed to their Post. The advance requested is essential to the happiness of their Families, as well as to enable them to proceed. they have requested me to mention it to you and also their desire to go forward immediately, as the travelling is now fine indeed I am Sir Your most Ob. Servant Samuel Hodgdon James M^cHenry Esq^r Secretary of War