Sir Philadelphia 24 Dec^r 1798 I have received your letter of the 19^th inst & presume your continuing to procure the Clothing for the Apprentices under your care will not militate with your other more important duties, if that is the case it is certainly right that you should continue to furnish them & you will accordingly do it. Let the bills particularly specify for what use the Articles were purchased, and after being certified by you how they have been applied, deliver them to Col^o Williams for payment. Convinced as you seem fully to be, that the taking apprentices is advantageous for the U.S. you may safely engage the 2 or 3 lads that now offer, if effected you will report it immediately. I have conversed with the Secretary of War on these subjects this morning, and he approves what I have written. I am Sir your most Ob^t Serv^t Cap^t D. Ames Samuel Hodgdon Sir Philadelphia 24^th Dec^r 1798 In a Waggon driven by one Jacob Chapman who left this City yesterday, Sent to your address the Articles of Clothing mentioned in the enclosed receipt. Chapman does not go to Winchester, but engages to leave the package with Maj^r James Stevenson, Brigade Inspector of the District. from this notice you will be able to judge the time that the Waggon will arrive. I will take measures to get the clothing to your quarters. I had no other means of conveyance I am Sir your mo. ob^t Serv^t Cap^t Jn^o Bishop Winchester Samuel Hodgdon Virginia Philadelphia 24^th Dec^r 1798 Sir, To discharge my acceptances on three Bills drawn on me by the Quarter Master General, I request a Warrant for two thousand five hundred Dollars, to be charged as usual to his account. I am, Sir, James McHenry, Esq^r your most obedient Servant Secretary of War. (Signed) Samuel Hodgdon Philadelphia 24^th December 1798 Sir, M^r Fisher wishes me to State to you the present terms on which I in behalf of the United States Rented one half of the Powder Magazine belonging to the State of Pennsylvania, both then and now under his Superintendance; my idea is that one half of the Magazine was at all times absolutely at the disposal of the Government by or through any of its Agents, but if any time more Powder or Stores of any kind were deposited in it, than would occupy the Moiety of the Building, such surplus was to be paid for, as by Law established or is customarily paid by private persons for such Storage. Another consideration claims attention of the Powder deposited by you has been received, Stowed & delivered, by the people employed by M^r Fisher, the Expenses