New York 26 Dec^r 1799 Samuel Hodgdon Esq^r Sir Permit me to introduce to your acquaintance, my friend Col^o Samuel Ward, who is the bearer of this, and is the person with whom I have been in treaty with for the powder, to complete Col^o Pickering's order — he will shew you samples of the Powder which you will be so obliging as to have proved, and give me your opinion thereon — Any attention & civilities shown him, will be gratefully acknowledged by Y^r Your Hble Serv^t [undecipherable: Bern/Fern Sterms] [verso notation:] From [undecipherable] Col^o [undecipherable] Ward [undecipherable] Dec^r 1799