Philadelphia 22^d June. 1798- Sir, I have two letters to thank you for, the last dated the 15^th instant, containing an excellent Pamphlet, in which an important question is [strikethrough: handled] treated in a manner, as you observes, not to be answered. It is certainly a consolatory idea, when we are to be forced into a war, to repel aggression and insult, since our national honor and independence — that the youth of the Country, exhibits so much patriotism and spirit. The young men of your part of the country, I have not a doubt, will exhibit in their conduct, at this crisis, whatever is laudable, and exemplary, whatever ought to convince that we are not either a craven or degraded people, divided from our government, and disposed to crouch to the burdens, any nation on earth may be disposed to lay upon us — I anticipate the same congratulations and offers from them. With respect to giving effect, to the real zeal and patriotism of the Young Men, by means of military associations — I beg to refer you to the laws, upon the subject of the President's accepting the services of such volunteers as men offer themselves, to him — for that It will only be necessary to observe, that the associations should previously, to offering themselves, be formed into such distinct and definitely marked companies, and/or battalions, regiments, legions corps of some description, so that the Commissions for the Officers, may distinctly designate their commands — General McPherson is here, at the head of five Companies of Infantry — and it is supposed that three more companies will offer themselves of [undecipherable], besides, there is a Company of Grenadiers, completely uniformed, have offered themselves and been accepted — The papers will exhibit to you, Gen. McPherson, on behalf of a handsome corps, address to the President, offering their services, with the answer — on the question of receiving this offer, the President was much affected — it was a heartening reflection, that a band of young citizens, many if not most of whom were in the enjoyment of not only the comforts, but the elegancies and luxuries of life, should voluntarily forego them all — and elect at the call of Patriotism the toil, vicissitudes, dangers attendant upon the Soldier's life — Besides those above mentioned — a company of Artillery & a rifle company — have associated, and mean to offer themselves, as soon as perfectly or-ganized, and conformed — It is probable, that the same will be done by one or more companies of horse — so that the youth and others, who will [undecipherable] offer themselves, will be at once [undecipherable], to this honorable engagement in this city — properly [undecipherable] [undecipherable: exemptions?] with the different kinds of troops, Cavalry — artillery, infantry, and rifle companies will form a handsome and efficient service — The old corps of McPherson's Blues, which you will remember upon the western expedition — in 1794 — had never relinquished their former association — it formed the basis of the fine infantry companies, now exhibiting, and honorably engaged. The [undecipherable] attached, to ensure their members, have been [undecipherable] from the best spirits of the city, by a regular and duly appointed Committee of Elections — The other companies organized with individuals of the first respectability, who also early appointed a committee of elections — calculated to select such characters, as were best calculated, to harmonize with each other — From what has been done in this City, with such handsome effect, some useful hints, may be derived, applied in the manner that would be found, [undecipherable] such effect also — where always observing — that what may be proper in a populous City, and efficient — may be improper or insufficient where the population is sparse, and scattered General [undecipherable] departure I had been duly informed of, as well as the nearly [undecipherable] decision of his political conduct. [Flattering?] accounts have likewise been transmitted of the Gallery, President Adams — If [undecipherable] that future accounts respecting the Senator, will be equally pleasing — When a sufficient number is associated to form a company, it whether infantry, horse, or artillery, they will recommend their officers [22 June 1798] [undecipherable]