[§ 8.] My Dear Sir I have considered the articles of [undecipherable] — [and] rather think the case is not [undecipherable: well presented?] by them — I incline to the opinion that the President ex officio as Commander in Chief has power to order a General Court Martial — But the exercise of this power would be liable to too much question & Criticism to be expedient in — What then is to be done? A President has a right to dismiss — the President [undecipherable] hold Military "Officers at [his?] pleasure — But The delicacy of [undecipherable] military character requires [that?] it should be operated on [undecipherable] not [till?] after [a] full investigation — [undecipherable] — then the [charges?] come [forward?] — [let?] [undecipherable] to be communicated to the commanding [General?] to be called upon to reply particularly to [them?] — If there are [points?] to be proved [?] by [Persons?] with the army let [undecipherable] judicious Officers with the aid of the Judge Advocate & a Magistrate if he [is?] [undecipherable] to administer oaths, be charged to collect testimony [for the information of?] [undecipherable] department [undecipherable] lay [it?] before the President — [and?] let the [accuser? accused?] [undecipherable] to attend the examination of the Witnesses & let their testimony reduced to Writing [by?] the Referees or Commissioners [undecipherable] the Judge Advocate & certified by them [&] with the observations of the Accused [undecipherable] be transmitted to the War [Office &?] [laid?] before the President — who can afterwards act according to circumstances — This is the best I can think of — But you must by all means avoid the imputation of [evading?] [undecipherable] & protecting a favourite [undecipherable] — A dieu. [undecipherable] [marginalia:] Have you seen any means of [undecipherable] an explanation [undecipherable] the French Government [undecipherable] I dont know what will befall you all. A Hamilton July 15. [17]95 [§ undecipherable 9.]