[Colonel Ebenezer Stevens 24 April 1799 No 26—] [postal stamp: NEW YORK APR 25] Samuel Hodgdon Esq^r Philadelphia New York 24^th April 1⁹⁹ Sam Hogdon Esq^re Dear Sir I have just recievd your esteem favor, and a note what you Say respecting the Arms I recievd from M^r Watkins. I do not conceive myself Accountable for the Deficiency, tho' the Receipt was given to them in so full a manner, I knew not at the time I recievd them, how many was containd in the Cases, but gave the Receipt agreable to the Number Shipped to me in your, letter of 29^th Jan^ry. Respecting said Arms &c. which upon examination, I found a Deficiency & noted to you in my letter of the 22^nd Feb^y last. You will Therefore Consider me as accountable only for the Number of Musquets &c. which was found on investigation to be in Said Cases, & charge me for the Same acordingly — I am Sensible it would bun most proper to have given the Receipt, for the Number of Cases "said to Contain Such Quantity of Arms &c." — and for the future Shall guard myself against Such errors — I have provided Lodgings for your Accommodation at M^rs Anthony Marcellin N^o 128 Broadway in an airy & pleasant part of the City, and hope to have the pleasure of You & your Ladys Company in a few days. I Remain D^r Sir Your H^ble Ser^vt [signed] Eben^r Stevens