[Docket notation, written diagonally in upper right corner: [undecipherable] [undecipherable] charge[s] a [undecipherable] [undecipherable]] [undecipherable] 13 [undecipherable] Philadelphia Samuel Hodgdon Esq^r. [Stamp: Received / State Dep^t. / from [undecipherable] / No. 24, 1834. / B.P.O. 401310.] Springfield Sept. 13^th 1800. Sir, In your letter of the 8^th instant you wish me (in confidence) to name to you the Gentleman, to whom I alluded that I had strong suspicions of his taking undue measures to prevent a fair examination into existing troubles at this Post. I cannot substantiate any facts that would implicate him in such a proceeding — but from recent circumstances, my suspicions are [underline: strong] & I believe well [underline: founded]. I hesitate Sir, not a moment in confiding in you that confidence you request — the Gentleman to whom I alluded is General William Shepard, Chairman of the Committee to investigate the troubles &c at this Post. Will you be so obliging as to enquire of Mess^rs Nicholdon & [undecipherable: Pousshurpse?] — the attempt M^r Ames made to bribe them to neglect their duty in proving Musket Barrels, if it is of any importance, I wish you to inform me — that I may call M^r A. to appear by himself or his Attourney to be present at taking their evidences. Declaration has been made to the Board — what it is supposed to be their evidence — they may some of them may expect it. Believing that you or the Secretary of War have never been furnished with the charges I exhibited to the [strikethrough: [undecipherable]] Chairman of the Board against M^r Ames exclusive of those handed you by M^r Byers — I enclose them for your examination. From the manner in which they came to me I have reason to suppose them well founded, & I still think, they deserve to be investigated. Relative to the Charges exhibited against me — I will not trouble you with any observations of mine upon them — as my reputation is at stake I shall be prepared to meet them before the proper tribunals. M^r S. Lyman I am apprehensive will not recover — He enjoins it on me to tender you his best respects & warmest wishes for your Health & Happiness & thanks you sincerely for your kind & friendly enquiries after his Health. I am Sir Most respectfully Your Obedient Servant Joseph Williams Samuel Hodgdon Esq^r.