Now in better condition, nor could more pains have been taken to insure their getting to hand speedily and in order. The opening the wrong Casks was no injury to Major Rivardi's Post, as they contained more clothing than was ordered for it. It detained some of the Articles forwarded for Oswego for a short time, but by the enclosed extracts from Major Rivardi's letters it appears all the articles safely arrived eventually at both posts, and were found to agree perfectly with the invoices — I am Sir your most ob^t Servant James McHenry Esq^r Samuel Hodgdon Philadelphia, 1^st July, 1799 Sir, I have received your Letter of the 25^th ult^o. The extract of the Secretary of war's letter quoted, is not intended to Militate with mine of the 14^th November 1797 on the work undertaken in consequence of that law is to be finished — there will be no difficulty in obtaining an equitable aspect, the more for work done more than over — I have spoken to the Secretary of war on the subject, and he informs me, he has written to say to the same office — I am, Sir, your most obed^ient Servant Samuel Hodgdon — M^r Joseph Cranch —