War Department; 6^th Oct^r 1800 Sir I have receiv'd yours of the [undecipherable] inst. relative to the two Indian Boys now under the care of the Society of Friends at Philadelphia. You will be pleased to procure for them a conveyance to Savannah in Georgia by water; and to furnish them with such necessaries and conveniences as will be requisite on the voyage. The enclosed Letter of which they are to be the Bearers to the Agent of the Department at Savannah, will ensure them a safe and speedy conveyance to their parents. The Agent for the Quarter Master General at Philadelphia may settle with the Fort Mifflin Bargemen for the two months pay due to them. I direct this as a matter of indulgence, because I do not know by whom they ought properly to be paid, or whether their services are at all necessary. No other fort incurs this expence. Why is the Barge necessary? and if it is necessary, are there not in the Garrison three Soldiers sufficiently capable, and in whom sufficient confidence may be placed to work it for all useful purposes? You will please to give me such information on the subject as you are in possession of; or may acquire. I am Sir. With respect, Your obedient. Sam^l Dexter Samuel Hodgdon [Address panel: Samuel Hodgdon Esqr / Philadelphia; docketed: Sam^l Dexter 1800 / Bargemen — Savannah / [undecipherable] Bargemen / [undecipherable] at [undecipherable]; postal mark: 13; Received from State Dep't. Nov. 24. 1894. R.P.O.401310.]