Philad^a phia, 13 July, 1799. Sir, I have recievd your letter of the 11^th instant. I approve of your insisting on a positive declaration relative to your Salary, if the Ships 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 Knee 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. Clemes Stevens — Philadelphia 14^th July, 1799. Sir, Until I recieved your letter I did not know of the death of M^r Parsch; 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 Contracts remaining at Mount Hope Furnace for which M^r Parsch, 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 from there. If I could see a Copy of the accounts rendered, or to be rendered, to take up the assumption on that contract it may be of use to all. This must be attended to as early as will oblige me to report shortly. We have several contracts with for Shot; perhaps for as many as we shall want — the price for castings in Iron moulds is twenty-five pounds per ton — Whether knowledge is wanting I have not been able to inform myself but will endeavour to do it shortly and advise. Be pleased to answer this letter as early as possible after you receive it. I am, Sir, your most obedient Servant, Samuel Hodgdon — M^r Davies Fordip, Trenton. Philadelphia 16^th July, 1799. Sir, I have received your letter of yesterday. Stores in all events the Cloathing only need be removed from thence, and of this but a small portion is in Store, nor can any considerable quantity be expected soon. On enquiry I find suitable Stores cannot be procured at New Castle, nor would it be advisable to remove there if we could be accommodated — the place being as most exposed to contagion by importation as this City, and in addition, the Ague and Fever prevails there from June to October. I have thought that such articles of Cloathing as may be provided have been be Inspected at M^r Billingtons House at Bush Hill, and from thence as occasions require be transported. I have consulted him, and find, that he has plenty of room, and is Willing that the deposite and transportation should be made as I propose, allowing him a reasonable Compensation for the part of the premises to occasion; this mode appears to me to be the best we can propose should a Removal become necessary, and I accordingly recommend it — I am Sir, your most obedient Servant, Samuel Hodgdon — James McHenry, esq^r. Secretary of War.