[Received from State Dep't. Nov. 24, 1894. B.P.O. 401910.] [Philadelphia Brown 16 August 1900] [P. Hunt 16 Aug^t 1800] [Colonel Samuel Surgeon N^o 138 Arch Street Philadelphia —] Harpers Ferry August 14^th 1800 — S^r Sir, I was honoured with yours of the 11^th & 18^th ult^t, the first containing an order on M^r Arman for a small invoice of medicine which I have received, the latter directing me to get from some person a quantity of Hospital stores, there arrived on the 11^th instant & have been delivered to one apparently in good order & shall be issued as you have directed — A few days ago I sent Major Cafs an assortment of medicines for his detachment at Winchester about 200 men some officers & a Surgeon [Note] this I did without your order, but it was because I judged it a public advantage as the articles must have been purchased from the Physecians at an extravagant price, the Major supposes that 200 Dollars will be saved by it; and all you sent me cost only 17½ & I have still two thirds of them in my possession, however I wish you to inform me whether I did right or not, as it may have interfered with other of your arrangements — The Apothecary will not like my method of making return for medicine, as they call mostly for cried articles, this however will save the public two fifths of the sum commonly paid for such articles, it will amaze one in compounding, & which is still better I will be certain of the composition — I shall want more medicine from you before winter but am not now prepared to make a return — My house is partly finished my Glasses are up my Music arranged Tom & family are in good health & we would be happy to see you at Harpers Ferry — M^r [undecipherable: Laston?] spent four hours with me lately at this place & paid me a great deal of attention — you do not write me any thing about your family, in particular — Adieu — your affectionate — Tho^s. Brown [L^t Col^l [undecipherable] & do.]