[Ricḥ^d H. Lee's letter of July 5^th 1798 to Jas McHenry Esq^r recom- mending Hanson Catlet as an orderly active & intelligent young man he applies for Serjeant mate. (A. 423)] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] --- [Sent] James^da M^cHenry Esq Sally Virginia July 5^th 1798 Secretary of War — Sir, The bearer M^r Hanson Catlet is a young gentleman who having been educated in the Medical line, is one not ager of an to act either in the army or Navy in that department and being very young will be content with both your remarks note. The naval service he would prefer. M^r Catlet is a native of Maryland and has for some years in her in in the family of an eminent Physician, as well to improve himself or to fit him in the [undecipherable] of his profession, and is generally upon div [undecipherable] orderly active intelligent and promising young man — and will I make no doubt fill with propriety the office he solicits. — I need not present to you the importance of continuing the zeal which begins to manifest itself amongst our Virginian youth notwithstanding the republican policy of their country, to join the Standard in defence of [undecipherable] and independence. I have presumed without having the pleasure of great personal acquaintance to trouble on this subject feeling the highest respect both for your private & public character, I am y^r most obt humb Servant Richard H. Stone Lee P.S. Be pleased to present this subject to the Secretary of the [undecipherable] Navy.