Copy of a Letter to Colonel Marshal 13 May 1791 Sir Philadelphia May 13th, 1791

Fifty Horses are wanted for the Service of the Public, which from information I believe may be purchased through your Agency in the County of Washington where you reside, on better terms than from any other quarter.

For this purpose having furnished you with two thousand five hundred Dollars, I shall proceed to describe the Horses which I wish you to furnish-Nothing needs be said with respect to Colour, as we know it is im= =possible to have uniformity however desirable under present circumstances.-The Age and size of the Horses is essential-fourteen hands and half high, I suppose are the most easily obtained, and they are the most suit= =able for the Service we have in view,-if they should generally exceed. it will not be objected to-but I do not expect or wish that they should-nor would I wish to have any under that size, unless they should have other properties which will compensate, with respect to Age I wish to have none of them under five years old, nor over eight, a few months either way will not however be objected to,-but on your judgement, and integrity I shall confidently rely: As fast as the Horses are purchased they must be sent to Major Craige at Pittsburg, who is fully instructed on the Subject; with respect to price I shall not consent to Average of more than fifty Dollars for each Horse-indeed I hope they will not amount to that Sum, your knowledge of the business and Country will secure us from impartion-for your time, trouble, & expence you will receive five percent on the money you pay, an allowance that must be equal to any commission basing

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in your Country, as it is the most ever allowed in this City for the most intricate business, and greatest responsibility. We hope all the Horses will be at Pittsburg by the fifteenth day of June next. To ensure a Supply of Boats, at Rolstone to take the Virginia & Maryland Lines to Pittsburg, I have to request that you will please to Contact for forty Boats of the most suitable dimentions for the River Service; Those of of Forty feet I am Told are most generally used, being found the most manageable. they may be had it seems from Six Shillings to Six Shillings and sixpence pboat this number must be immediately got ready as the Troops will shortly be at Post waiting for transportation, the Boats Shall be paid for as they are delivered - shall only add further that the importance of the business committed to your management demands your utmost exertions, and in case of performance to Acceptance will be gratefully acknowledged by all concerened. I will thank you to keep me advised how you proceed in the business, as opportunities present. I shall leave this City for Pittsburg in about two weeks. I am Sir your most Obedient Servant (Signed) Samuel Hodgdon [undecipherable - LUG?]

Colonel James Marshall

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