Sir The kind promise you gave me some months since when I waited on you in behalf of my husband - that you would serve him when an Oppertunity offered - will I hope appologize for the request I now make — M^r Beates Sir wishes to enter into the service of his Country — and his petition — I am informed there is not an Individual in the City - whose recom[mendation] would have more weight with the War Department than yours, the daughter of your deceased friend would esteem it an Obligation confer'd on her, if you would use your influence that way - I have requested M^r Beates to call on you - as I wish you to see his petition which will convince you from the number of respectable signatures annext, that he is not undeserving your attention — I trust Sir the friendship you had for me in my happier days is not evars'd, and this favor will be rememb[er'd] with gratitude by her — Who is with Esteem Yours & Sarah Beates June 24. 98 [Addressed: Samuel Hodgdon Esquire — Prvt] [Received State Dep't. NOV 24] [Page 1 illegible: Some or all of the pages of this file are wholly or in part illegible. We have not been able either to locate a better copy of the document, or to enhance its legibility electronically.]