Philadelphia 1 July, 1797 S^ir, Enclosed is two Requisitions for supplie received from Col. Stevens this morning — It will be [undecipherable] (I think,) to order the annual supplies of Quarter Masters Stores to be purchased as near the posts where they are wanted as possible — the transportation often costs more than the articles — I am, Sir, James M^cHenry esq^r. S^ecy. of war. — your most obedient Servant, Samuel Hodgson — Enclosed you have the Returns received from Col. Stevens this morning. they shew that we are in Store and shew that every thing but Grapeshot for Artillery Batteries needs to be immediately forwarded — I am clearly of opinion that Col. Stevens ought to be directed to purchase the small supplies in the Quarter Masters Department as contiguously to the Posts as they are wanted as possible; the expense of transporting such articles is more than equal to their cost, to say nothing of the delays & damage that too often attend them — The Tools are dispensed with for the present, see Gen^rl. Hamilton's note on the back of the return. — I am, Sir, James M^cHenry, esq^r. your most obedient Servant, Secretary of War. — Samuel Hodgson —