[Cover docket: To Albany to Hamilton / July 16. 1798] [Copy] Philadelphia July 16^th 1798 I have just received from Gen^l Washington an answer to my letter which I shewed you. the Gen^l appears to have contemplated attentively the nature of the impending war with France, and that the southern States (if any part of the Union) will be invaded. Admitting this idea to be correct, the Gen^l says, "the inference I am going to draw from [undecipherable] Col. Hamilton over [undecipherable] is natural and obvious. The latter is an officer of high military [undecipherable] reputation, proud of the [undecipherable] born, spirited, active, and judicious, and much advanced in the estimation of the public in his late conduct as minister and envoy at Paris. With these pretensions, and being senior to Col. Hamilton, "he would not, I am morally certain, accept a junior appointment, and his influence would spread "where most to be deprecated, as his connections are numerous, powerful, and more influential than "any other in the three southern states. Under this view of the subject, it would be impolitic, and "might be dangerous to sow the seeds of discontent, at so important a crisis. [I]t may be added that "impediments to the return of Gen^l [Pinckney], and causes unforeseen might place Col. Hamilton in the "situation you wish to see him." — You will readily perceive, that the difficulty in my mind arises from thorough conviction that if an invasion is attempted, it will commence with — Maryland; and from the importance of so influential a character as Pinckney, if among us being heartily engaged in repelling it. The Gen^l concludes from this reasoning with [undecipherable] the office of Inspector Gen^l with a command in the line will prove [undecipherable] a boon to you. — I ought to have first quoted the Gen's preliminary observation. "of the abilities and [undecipherable] of the Gentleman you have named for high command in the provisional army," "thinks as you do, and that his services ought to be received at [undecipherable]." — these communications from the Gen^l to me are "in confidence," and as such you will receive them. I presume there is some understanding between you on the subject. At all events I trust that the same genuine patriotism which determined you and some others to encounter the perils of the American revolution, and by your talents and active labours to seek another glory, will prompt you again to come forth in a situation, if not at the height of your wishes and of those of your friends, certainly in a situation in which you can render invaluable services, and as certainly, obtain a large share of honor and military fame. — With great sincerity I am ever Alexander Hamilton Esq^r — — Your Timothy Pickering