Philadelphia, 16 March, 1799. — Sir, I have just received your letter of the 6^th instant. I have since conversed with the Secretary of War on the contents. He thinks it best to remove the Stores from Sheppars town to you[r] [place] as soon as you are prepared to receive and safely deposite them, as you intimated your belief that you can now make an arrangement to insure their safe keeping until the Arsenal is built, and for other reasons I think the removal should take place immediately, and I accordingly inclose an order on Major Langham for their delivery, and also a letter to him on the subject which you will please to send to him. As soon as possible I will get Langham's account up, and send you a statement of what he ought to have on hand. Tents and Camp Kettles he has in abundance; the General order will enable you to make partial drafts until the removal of the whole can be accomplished. you will provide the means for transporting the Stores, and for this purpose perhaps it may be necessary for you to go to Sheppardstown — this you can best determine. I wrote M^r Brindley yesterday, and suggested some new ideas relative to the Canal, and re- quested him to repair to the spot as soon as possible to enable you to make your final report on that business. Fearing you may be in want of the two Tons of Iron before it can be got to you by way of Baltimore I have sent the whole in one Strong Waggon from hence direct — the waggon started to day, and with Hunter & his wife, who appears anxious to return to his Duty, and your note in his behalf has induced me to advance him thirteen Dollars more to enable him to Return. I have further engaged that you shall make the waggoner a reasonable allowance for the passage and trouble he may have with the family and goods — I shall make no further advances, except as requested to Summon's wife — I am glad to find tranquility is restored — the Secretary says he will support you at all events — yours S. Hodgdon — John Mackey —