[Col. Humphreys Fifty Hamburg Arms Proved, Blasted three New York Sep^r 30. 1799] [addressed:] Samuel Hodgdon Esq^r Secrnt. Public Stores Philadelphia [postal mark: Oct] Sam^l Hodgdon Esq^r New York 30 Sept^r 1799 Sir Your favor of the 28 Inst is duly received, and note its Content— Last Evening, I made a Visit on Governors Island, and Viewed the Troops there are much in want of Shoes & Woolen Overalls, in which I wish you would bear in mind that some provision be made for them if it is requisite I should make a return of what articles is wanted (officially) it shall be attended to — I have proved fifty Stand of the Ham- burg Arms, and Blasted three of them, two near the Brech, and the other at the muz- zle, I bent the Barrels of two others, the Iron is not good, and I have no great opinion of them, the mode adopted for proving them was 2/3 of the Weight of the Ball in Powder, with two Balls, therein, with the proper Wads for the purpose, and fixed on an elevation of 4 Degrees, placed on a a plank, to keep them from injuring any one — One Ounce of this Powder threw a 24 pound Shot 50 Yards out of a 5½ Inch Mortar, on an Elevation of 45 Degrees, this mode I adopted in proving these Guns ought to Stand, for it frequently happens that a musquet in time of Action, gets a double charge — Inclosed is M^r Lawrence Hurons acct taken of Theo. Peters Draft for $9450— for collection M^r Huron has wrote me it would be inconvenient for him to take it up at the time it is due, and proposes paying a part of it. I should not wish to discommode him by exacting the am^t when due, but I am in want of money much at this present time — I leave it with you to arrange the business with M^r Huron, and he mentioning about paying from $1800— to $2400— & give a good note (indorsed) for the Balance which I am willing to do — I am Sir with Respect Your Ob^t Serv^t Wm Humphreys [seal]