To Samuel Hodgdon Esquire Philad^a Pittsburg 13 Febry 1801 Sir, I have just received your favor of the 6 inst. The mounting of the Cannon is going forward and Contracts for a large quantity of Shot and Shells [undecipherable] has been made and ten of the Guns are already in Fort Presqu'Isle viz five 12 pders and five 9 pders — these Carriages are to follow as soon as completed — The Quarter Master General arrived from the Cantonment near the mouth of the Ohio Monday evening last he says he left Col^o Strong and the Troops under his command encamped on fine ground below Fort Massac on the bank of the Ohio. All hands employed in constructing a new Town to be named Wilkinsonville. Cap^t Read has not yet discharged his Note nor do I believe it is yet in his power — The appointment of a Secretary of War is long delayed — I have a wish to know who that sort of Man he is to be I am Sir, Your obed Serv R.