Refers to Canal-Building Efforts from the Potomac River
Document 1799Refers to previous agreement about canal from Potomac. Suggests utilizing the islands in the rivers to build dams to control water if the canal doesn't work, saving time and expense at the cost of the public. Encourages him to address the Secretary of War for money.
No human transcription currently available for this document.
This transcription was generated by machine using Anthropic's Claude Code (model sonnet 4.6). It may contain errors or inaccuracies. Please verify against the document image. Learn more about our generative AI methodology.
Philadelphia 29th January 1798.
Sir
In consequence of the presentment of your Draft on me dated the 1st instt for 350 Dollars in favour of Messrs Evans & Selby, and by them and a subsequent endorsement made payable to Messrs Bakes & Commegys of this City, I immediately called on Mr Simmons the Accountant to know the State of your Accounts, as he had undertaken their adjustment; the result of my enquiries you will learn by the enclosed Statement of your Account, and by the other which the Accountant informs me he has sent to you. It is plain, according to your apprehensions signified in your letter that accompanied your Draft that there is a mistake somewhere & of course your Draft could not be honoured. It is possible some of your Accounts and vouchers may not have got to hand, but in whatever shape any mistake may have occured, you will have it in your power by perusing the two Statements, you will receive to set all right. You will recollect that Leonard Davis's receipt admitted in the enclosed Statement, is not a perfect Document, and that in answer to a former letter on that Subject you promised to obtain such an one as Requested, let it be done, and sent in your next communication. Also a special order on Mr Simmons, to pay me the balance due you on his adjustment of your Accounts. Your letter to that effect, he does not deem sufficient.
The sooner you attend to this business the better, as it is desireable to have it closed while the business is fresh in all our memorys. I am very sorry that your Draft under circumstances could not be honored.
I am Sir
Your most Obedient Servant
Major C. Langham. Samuel Hodgdon.
Type
Author's Letterbook Copy
Description
Refers to previous agreement about canal from Potomac. Suggests utilizing the islands in the rivers to build dams to control water if the canal doesn't work, saving time and expense at the cost of the public. Encourages him to address the Secretary of War for money.
Date
03/12/1799
Author
Recipient
Sent from
Philadelphia
Repository
Document number
1799031228255
Page start
401
Notable persons
James Brindley
Samuel Hodgdon
James McHenry
Notable locations
Philadelphia
Harper's Ferry
Potomac
Notable items
Canal
Island
Dam


