Philadelphia, 12 April 1799. Sir, I have shipped to New york this day the articles inserted in the inclosed Invoice to be forwarded from thence via Albany to your Post— I shall give such directions as will have a tendency to get them early and safely to hand— The purpose of this is to let you know they are on the way, and the precise quantity forwarded— Complaints of detention, damage and embezzlement are so frequent on the route these Stores go, that I shall be very minute and particular in my instructions respecting them, as they are of a much more inviting to depredation than usual— you will be pleased to make the necessary enquiry for them, should they not get to hand in a reasonable time, and when they do arrive note to me the time and order in which they are received— When M^r Scheffelin left Detroit on his way to this City, (Doctor Charles Brown gave him in charge a Bundle containing Ten Shirts for me— On his way to your Garrison he informs me lost his Trunk in which they were put— but that he had requested you if found (which he did not doubt) it would be to send it after him to this City— He is now here and I will thank you to inform him, or me whether the Trunk has been found and forwarded— and to whom— Doctor Brown again enquiries whether I have received the money on your drafts, I have been obliged to inform him that I have not, or heard nothing from you on the subject— I am, Sir your most obedient Servant Samuel Hodgdon Major J. J. Ulrick Rivardi Niagara—