Philad^a phia, 13 July. 1799. Sir, I have recived your letter of the 11^th instant— I approve of your insisting on a positive declaration relative to your Salary, if the Shops now it will be considered as fixed your protest notwithstanding— I have urged from real conviction the importance of your Services at the post assigned you, and I shall continue to do so on every suitable occasion— We are about making a number of Rice Tents, if you have any knowledge of their best construction, I wish you to communicate it, as I Wish to have them perfect— I mentioned the subject to General Hamilton in a late letter, but I have no answer— your most Obedient Servant, Samuel Hodgdon. [Col. Clemo. Stevens—] Philadelphia 14^th July, 1799. Sir; Until I received your letter I did not know of the death of M^r Patsch; since that event has taken place I have thought it proper to state to you, and through you to all concerned, the number of Shells and Shot of the old Contract remaining at Mount Hope Furnace for which M^r Patsch, during his life, and his Assigns now are accountable, he having engaged to furnish the number of each paid for— I wish to make my report on the last survey of Shot at Elizabeth Town and New York, as mentioned to you in my letter after my return here— If I could see a Copy of the accounts rendered, or to be rendered, to take up the assumsion on that contract it may be of use to all— This must be attended to as only will oblige me to report shortly— We have several contracts with [strikethrough: with] Shot, perhaps for as many as we shall want— the price for castings in Iron means is twentyfive pounds per ton—