Trenton Sept. 27. 1799. Dear Sir I have not an opportunity of disposing of the 4000 dollars at Norfolk, and therefore cannot give the draft required for your friends; whenever we have occasion for money at a distance, it is customary to give preference to the revenue officers in drawing bills, this mode is thought to preserve an equal circulation, and ensures a punctual remittance of the revenue. As you are an unbeliever, and thereby in my humble opinion, constantly exposed to death, being continually in its theatre, I should be glad to hear in your next how the city looks, and whether you mean to stay in it much longer. Wishing you health and Security I remain Y^r mo ob s^t O Wolcott Colonel Hodgdon [addressed:] Colonel Samuel Hodgdon Intendant of the Public Stores Philadelphia [notation: Wolcott / Trenton / Sep^r 27. 99]