Boston 12^th of June 1798. [left margin: undecipherable notations] I have the honor respectfully to recommend to the notice of the President of the United States for Military employment Major [undecipherable] Winslow and des[undecipherable] to Major General [undecipherable] of this State. [undecipherable] Major Winslow is above thirty Years of age, and [undecipherable] through all the stages of his life, and although [has?] never served in any army yet his [undecipherable] and his gentlemanly manners seem to qualify him eminently for [being?] an officer. [In?] my [own?] knowledge of him, I have no hesitation in pledging my [undecipherable] for a behaviour on his part, which will at once do honor to his own character, and active [interlineation: under] Service to the United States. His object would be a majority of Cavalry — or in case that should be unattainable from the claims of old officers, he would accept a company of Cavalry. — If no cavalry should be raised he would accept a majority of Infantry. Circumstances render applications to me for letters frequent. The [undecipherable] which I can not properly [undecipherable] I give them with [undecipherable], knowing that the greater the number of candidates the greater the field out of which to make a choice — I have mentioned no name with more confidence than the subject of this letter It must however afford great satisfaction to every lover of his country, that there appears at this crisis, a desire of all ages and ranks, (with but few exceptions in this quarter) to press forward into the active defence of their country against, a voracious, and immoral foe of [undecipherable], who have hitherto met with too little resistance. It would be a glorious satisfaction to our posterity if we should be able (as I have no doubt we shall be) to set bounds to an [undecipherable] ambition of its profligacy, which like [undecipherable: Noah's?] flood, at present threatens to overwhelm the earth. [I am?] with attachment [undecipherable] [undecipherable] most obedient Servant [undecipherable signature] The honourable The [Secretary of War?]