[undecipherable] I inclose to you a letter from Col. Bull to which I beg leave to recommend your particular attention being per[undecipherable] he is perhaps better acquainted with the Good [undecipherable] of [undecipherable] than most people. [undecipherable] Should any variation take place in the plan as it is [now] projected, and a Dam sho'd be established from the Virginia [undecipherable] to the Island on the Patowmac, and [undecipherable] from the Shore to the Island [undecipherable] Shenadore, [undecipherable] we wish to derive the experience of Col. Ball, who [undecipherable] a quarter of a Mile [undecipherable] in the Island to which I refer, the Col. has [undecipherable] me to say, that he would aid [undecipherable] able in the construction of the same for so long a time as his Services might [undecipherable] upon such Terms as might [be] agreed upon. The Dam [undecipherable] care on [undecipherable] of those who are competent Judges for [undecipherable] — I am with due esteem & regard [undecipherable] your [undecipherable] most hum[ble] Serv[ant] Joseph Nourse [To] Major Hodgdon [undecipherable] Philadelphia 25[undecipherable] [undecipherable] [Address leaf: Major Samuel Hodgdon / Superintendent / of Military Stores] [Received from State Dep't Feb. 25]