the instructions he has sent you, and his expectations from you in consequence of your appointment If further information is necessary, on notice it shaw be chearfully given — I am, Sir, your most obedient Servant, Samuel Hodgdon [St Thomas Gibson, Fort Mifflin—] Philadelphia, 17 July, 1799. Sir, your favor of the [undecipherable] came to hand to day. Inclosed you have the requested Statement — I hope Annuey will be able at the end of the month to leave the amount of one of the titles given M^r Taylor in your hands, as I have [undecipherable: formerly] im- pressed him with Annuey's honest intention— I [undecipherable] of the progress of your Canal, but I confess I [undecipherable] on a greater number of hands than I find have been employed — I am aware you are in the hot bed of Democracy, but [undecipherable: be] firm and steady, and their opposition will [undecipherable] your Character— [undecipherable] conduct have been [undecipherable] to me, I am [undecipherable: sorry] I attempted to serve so unworthy a creature — as [undecipherable] man may be [undecipherable] through him— [undecipherable] 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 occurred, 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 [undecipherable]; no new case has recently [undecipherable] My family are well, and [undecipherable] your [undecipherable] attention— your letters should be [undecipherable] with those I denominate [Private] your more obedient Servant Samuel Hodgdon [Mr John Mackey —] Philadelphia, 17 July, 1799— Sir, I received your favor of the 11 instant— The Secretary of War is of opinion that no injury can arise to the [undecipherable] by giving the [undecipherable] Gentlemen in the [undecipherable] concern a little more indulgence in [undecipherable] time for payment, provided, good and sufficient security is obtained, which in a given time will ensure payment— I mention this for your [undecipherable: government] while you are urging the concern to a settlement— Before this reaches you it is probable you may have [undecipherable] the [undecipherable] [undecipherable], when if further time only is requested you will know how to act; but it is very desirable, if practicable to have the business adjusted without further loss of time. [undecipherable] to press the settlement, and advise me the best that can be done. [undecipherable] you may not think it [undecipherable] to [undecipherable] to these [undecipherable] your having powers to postpone payment for any given time. This and whatever else relates to the settlement is [undecipherable] to you — I am, Sir, your most obedient Servant, Samuel Hodgdon [Capt. Staats Morris.]