Port Norfolk 9^th. March 1799. — Sir/ I did myself the Honor of writing you on the 7^th. January last to which letter I have not been avored with an answer, stating that the [undecipherable] I deposited with you a return signed by the Sec^y of War for ninety three suits of Infantry Clothing, & that to complete the same there still remained to be forwarded Eighty three privates tetts — the Sergeants having been received — this circumstance M^r Harris will well remember, indeed I now have before me your invoice of Clothing, shipped, addressed to Cap^t Blackburn Commanding Fort Norfolk, which substantiates the fact — [strikethrough: since] it is one however that must be within your own recollection as we had some — — conversation on the subject — My Men really want their tetts — they are recruits, that have not the advantages attending Old Soldiers, such as having several Years Clothing on hand — Let me solicit you to have shipped to my address at Fort Norfolk the tetts due on my Return. — I have the Honor to be with respect Your most ob^t Ser^vt Ferdinand. Claiborne Lieutenant 1^st US Reg^t. Infy [Address: Samuel Hodgdon Esquire / Philadelphia] [Endorsement: Ferd Claiborne / P^t. Norfolk / March 9, 1799 / No. 83 [undecipherable]]