Sir Philadelphia 14^th January 1799. Enclosed you have the description of the Pistols, I will thank you to inform me of some suitable person resident in New London to inspect the Sadley made there on Contract for the United States. If you are acquainted in that quarter it is probable you can recommend a professional man who will undertake the business. To send a person from hence will be expensive & I think needless— Whoever inspects will be under Oath and that with a man of principle is ample security With sentiments of Esteem I am Sir &c Sam^l W. Dana Esq^r Samuel Hodgdon Philadelphia 15^th January 1799. Sir By the way of Amboy you will receive three Hogsheads Numbered 1. 2. 3. and a Bale & 4 the whole containing Clothing for the Troops at West Point and marked U. S. Captain George Ingersol— as soon as they arrive I wish you to fall on measures to insure their getting speedily to hand— the water transportation is now'd with you as with us all open and free— the Packages were forwarded Yesterday, and will probably be with you as soon as this letter I am Sir Your M^st Obedient Servant Samuel Hodgdon M^r Melaneton Smith