Captain Stoddard Portland 10 March 1799 Wants Tents &c

Portland March 11th 25 Samuel Hodgdon, Esqr. Intendant of Military Stores Philadelphia Portland 10th March 1799 Sir, In my last I gave you a hint respecting our want of Tents very early the ensuing Summer, and also informed you, that very probably a Vessel from this place would sail very soon for Philadelphia and that I would request the Captain or Master to call on you. Since that period the Vessel alluded to has sailed to another port. Convinced of the absolute necessity of Tents, I hope you will not fail to forward them the very first opportunity. If no opportunity occurs of sending the directly here, please to forward them to Boston from whence I can obtain them almost any day in the week - and at the same time advise me of the measure. My men are so crowded in a small building, that warm weather will inevitably breed distempers among them. Thinking it unnecessary to trouble the war office, I have not written to the Secy of War on the subject.
I am, Sir, your very huml. Servt. Amos Stodard, Capt. 2 Reg: Art: & Enge S. Hodgdon, Esqr.