Philadelphia 16 July 1799. Sir, Sea coast Carriages are not generally, nor as I believe in any instance made for Guns of less Calibre than eight pounders. Of course I have no Estimate of their Cost by me at this time accured to be sufficient to procure one. Garrison Carriages for 12 pounders cost from forty to fifty Dollars each, according to the weight of Iron used on them. Sea coast Carriages will probably cost twice the sum charged for Common Garrison Carriages. I should recommend the Common Carriages in the present instance, because they are cheaper, will answer as well, and their construction more familiar to the Workmen. Two Ladles, two Rammers and Sponges, two Worms, two dozen Sheep Skins, two Lintstocks, two Portfire sticks, two Gunners Belts complete, two doz Haversacks, two hundred thirte pounders Balls and eight hundred weight of Cannon Powder also be proper to send from hence for the pieces — your most obedient Servant — James McHenry, Esq^r. Samuel Hodgdon Secretary of War — Philadelphia, 16 July 1799. Sir, The Secretary of War has informed me he has directed you to remain at the Garrison of Fort Mifflin or Mud Islands, in quality of Quarter Master, and Superintendent of Stores and Workmen, and to regulate your Returns to the commanding General, Superintendent of Military Stores and Quarter Master, by such Instructions as you may receive from them from time to time. He has also requested me to furnish you with the necessary Instructions relative to the form in which you are to keep your Books and Accounts, and the Returns proper to be made to me. In compliance with his request I enclose a Sketch of the several entries proper to be made to enable you to carry into full effect the Instructions he has sent you, and his expectations from you in consequence of your appointment. If further information is necessary, on notice it shall be cheerfully given — I am, Sir, your most obedient Servant, S^t Thomas Gieson, Samuel Hodgdon Fort Mifflin — Philadelphia, 17 July 1799. Sir, your favor of the 16 inst. came to hand to day. Enclosed you have the requested Statement. I hope Annuity will be able at the end of the month to leave the amount of one of the Notes given M^r Taylor in your hands, as I have formerly in pressed him with Annuity's honest intention. I guess u were of the progress of your Canal, but I confess I calculated on a greater number of hands than I find have been employed. I am aware you are in the hot bed of Democracy, but be firm and steady, and their opposition will establish your Character. Smairs conduct have been mentioned to me. I am sorry I attempted to serve so unworthy a creature — a base man may be injured through him — tis however the lot of humanity to err. I am glad to find you are so [undecipherable] with your Buildings; hope the most materials will be [undecipherable] and occupied before the winter — We are again alarmed with the cry of the yellow Fever — a few cases have occured — but not sufficient to justify the measures and apprehensions of many. Situations are taken for all the public Offices at Trenton, but no movement is yet made, and from present appearances tis probable none will be made — no new case has recently [undecipherable]