Pittsburgh 9^th April 1799. Sir The Galley being compleated M^r [undecipherable] [undecipherable] the Master builder is now setting out on his return to the city. I have paid him a [undecipherable] for [undecipherable] his Services [undecipherable] together with an allowance for travelling expenses here and returning agreeable to Contract — The last Post informed the Sec^y of War that the Galley [undecipherable] too nearly compleated and urged a necessity of her launching the [undecipherable] in the [undecipherable] or [undecipherable] this month [undecipherable] early [undecipherable] best — I wish you would take the trouble of informing him with the propriety of making use of the present Season in [undecipherable] passing the Rapids In equipping the Galley some things are wanting which cannot be procured at this place — [undecipherable] Canvas [undecipherable] [undecipherable] Cotton [undecipherable] twine — one or two mizzen [undecipherable] Compasses — [undecipherable] Blocks Cordage for rigging [undecipherable] I am Sir [undecipherable: Your Most Obedient Servant] [undecipherable] Samuel Hodgdon Esquire Philadelphia