Philadelphia, 18 June, 1797. By a letter received this morning from Genl. Hamilton to the Secretary of War, it appears by information given to him by you that some time since, the United States lent to the State of New York One thousand Stand of Arms, which are so dispersed as to render their loss too probable, and that the Arms are not wanted by the State. I wish to thank you to inform me by whose order the Arms were delivered, the time when, the place from whence they were drawn, and the name of the person who received them. When this information is receivd proper measures will be taken for their recoery into your hands, as Agent for the War Department. — I am, Sir, Col. Ebenezer Stevens your most obedt. Servant, S. Hodgson Sir, Philadelphia, 19 June, 1797. I wish you to make me a Return of every Species of Stores on hand under your care, on the 20^th instant, and as the present calls on you will occasion a continual alteration in the face of your Returns, and under present circumstances, it is necessary I should be accurately informd of the State of the Stores with you at short periods, I wish you to make monthly Returns, and quarterly Statements accompanied by the Vouchers for settlement — I mentioned that a number of Muskets have arrived at New York from England, on public accounts; If the report is true, be pleasd to inform me who received them and has them now in Keeping — I am, Sir, Col. Ebenezer Stevens. — your most obedt. Servant, Samuel Hodgson —