Refers to Potential Powder Embezzlement at Whetstone Point Garrison
Document 1799Refers to store of barrels of powder on hand at the Whetstone Point Garrison near Baltimore with a miscalculation on the certificate. Contractor David Zoe could not ascertain the exact quantity, fearing that a large quantity had been embezzled by the keeper of the magazine. There should be sufficient quantity for present use. Hodgdon added a postscript that no powder has since been forwarded to Fort McHenry.
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Philadelphia 29th January 1798
Gentlemen
I have received the Accountants Statement of Major Langhams Accounts. By it I am informed the Bills presented by you cannot be taken up at present. I have written to Major Langham on the subject, and doubt not he will make provision for the Bill, in case the Statement enclosed to him should be found accurate. Feel myself bound to give you the most early information
Your most Obedient Servant
Messrs Drakes & Commegys. Samuel Hodgdon
Philadelphia 29th Janry 1798
Sir
In consequence of the presentment of your Draft on me dated the 1st inst. for $350 Dollars in favour of Messrs Evans & Selby, and by them and a subsequent endorsement made payable to Messrs Drakes & 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 arisen, you will have it in your power by perusing the two Statements; you will [undecipherable: probable reading "recieve"] 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 memories. 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 store of barrels of powder on hand at the Whetstone Point Garrison near Baltimore with a miscalculation on the certificate. Contractor David Zoe could not ascertain the exact quantity, fearing that a large quantity had been embezzled by the keeper of the magazine. There should be sufficient quantity for present use. Hodgdon added a postscript that no powder has since been forwarded to Fort McHenry.
Date
06/08/1799
Author
Recipient
Repository
Document number
1799060880055
Page start
468
Note
This includes a letter from Staats Morris and Samuel Y. Drysons to Samuel Hodgdon. Hodgdon then copied the letter to McHenry in his letterbook.
Notable persons
Samuel Hodgdon
James McHenry
Staats Morris
Samuel Y. Drysons
David Zoe
Notable locations
Philadelphia
Whetstone Point Garrison
Baltimore
Magazine
Fort McHenry
Notable items
Powder Barrels
Certificate


