Sir, Philadelphia, 13^th Dec^r 1798. We are all greatly engaged as you will naturally suppose, but I must not let so direct an opportunity slip without addressing a few lines to you. The Secretary of War I am sure has written officially, and I have nothing very material to communicate. Mr Smear will be the bearer of this, he appears to me well qualified to assist you in procuring materials for the works, and in Superintending the people to be employed about the Canal; the Secretary has a good opinion of Mr Smear, and wishes him to be employed, if he can be made useful. On my Application, Mr Cheney has received a warrant for two hundred & five Dollars, as advance pay for one month, and travelling expenses on the road for himself, John Adams, Dennis Bryan and Miles Goddard, and forty Dollars advances for Mr Smear for all which he will account with you as was done with Perkins — Every thing provision for the works are on the way, and I hope soon to hear the men are all [strikethrough: profitably] usefully employed — My family are well and return you kind remembrance — the enclosed letter was handed me a few days ago by a friend of yours. your most obedient Servant Samuel Hodgson. M^r John Mackey —