[532] Philadelphia 9^th Aug 1799. Sir, This morning I received your favour of the 3^d Instant. By very lose you may expect to hear from me — the whole State is in commotion on account of the approaching Election. We are are awake too, and active in the business, for we consider the Peace, honor and safety of the common Wealth as being deeply interested in the event. All moral men — all religious men, and all men whose Views are upright, and who seek the prosperity of the state will do their best to make James Ross Governor — and I hope and trust this Class of Citizens is the most numerous — The Agency of Stevens in New York continues, and the Quarter Master general has appointed him his Agent also, with a promise of a handsome compensation. I have no doubt but Col Stevens will eventually receive a larger Compensation than he has yet proposed — Swan, has opened his Office in the rooms formerly occupied by the Post Master General, next to me, and under the Office of the Secretary of State. I will communicate to him what you request — I am pleased to hear of and valuable return Cargoes — Bark and Furs are valuable commodities, and I hope you will always have something to give in exchange for them, which will yeild a generous profit — O'Hara has [strikethrough: managed] all the Contracts he had last year and many others — he thrives for the whole — and I now say he is playing a profitable game Artiste — I am Sir, your most Obedient Servant, Samuel Hodgdon — Major Isaac Craig Pittsburg [Page 532 BJA01]