Philadelphia 16^th March. 1800. Sir, Last evening I received your letter of the 7^th instant. The draft you mention shall be paid, but why did you not take a draft for a larger sum to meet this and discharge part or the whole of the balance due me? This I hope you will do by the next post. You are advised in my last what the Secretary said on the Armoures business. Your claim will not again come into view until the appro priation bill passes. Nor is it policy to urge it until then for reasons before given. No waggon has yet loaded at the Store for Pittsburg, it is probable it will soon happen, when the Coffee and Box will go forward. The Weather is now fine. Spring on head, but winter under foot. A number of Vessels have arrived, but none from Europe. We are still anxious to hear from thence. I am, Sir, Your most Obedient Servant. Major Isaac Craig. Samuel Hodgdon