State of Conn^ct. Lebanon 20^th July 1798 Sir I make no Apology for offering you the Name of a Young Gentleman who wishes to aid the Defence of his Country with his Services at this important Crisis — by becoming an Officer in the new Additional Regiments which are to be raised for the Defence of the U States — The Gentleman is Jabez Huntington of Norwich [undecipherable] — he is the eldest Son of Gen^l Jedidiah Huntington of the late Continental Army — & is a worthy son of an Excellent Father — he has had a Liberal Education — added to a naturally good Genius — his mind is stored with a good stock of valuable information — he is mature in Years — [interlineated: a Man of Spirit & [undecipherable]] about 30 Years old — has been an Officer in the Militia of this State & is now one of my Aides D'Camp with the Ranks of a Lieut. Col^o of Militia — In the Establishments he looks to the Appointment of a Major — I think it fortunate that you have the Offer of such Characters — who I trust will fill their Stations with reputation & honor — I am &c J Trumbull Hon^ble Sec^ty for the Dep^t of War [Verso — address panel:] Trumbull Lebanon [docket, rotated:] [undecipherable] Clinton — [undecipherable] Trumbull — Lebanon — [undecipherable] a [favourite?] — [Enclosure:] Norwich July 17 1798 Respected Sir/ The idea which I suggested to you when at Lebanon of offering myself a candidate for a military commission under the United States, still claims my attention; & as I presume it nec[e]ssary for me to make my wishes known ere long, I take the liberty of mentioning the circumstance to you again for your advice — my object is to find an appointment of a Major in the body of [underline: [undecipherable]] infantry to be raised pursuant to the bill introduced into Congress by M^r Smith of Maryland — their duration is for three years, & if I understand it right they are to go into pay immediately — the probability of a [interlineated: land] war is still eventual to me a matter not likely to take place; but if I can secure a place in the organization of an army to meet it, very probably [strikethrough: have it in my power] [interlineated: be obligd] not to leave home all the times, twill be agreeable — If it meets your pleasure to countenance my wishes, I shall be obliged to you for an introduction of my name through that channels which is proper to solicit the appointment — I suppose it not nec[e]ssary for me to say any thing myself — my father says he has so small an acquaintance with the Secretary of War that he cannot rely on any influence — he will however write to the Sec^y of the Treasury — he thinks your recommendation will insure efficiency — if the requirements of federalism are nec[e]ssary in military appointments, I can cheerfully pledge my all to defend the government — I have been always a warm admirer of its administration & I wish to be among the number who are ready to evince their attachments by offering their services to support it against any foreign or domestic foe — Please, Sir, to accept my assurances of respect, & believe me, very sincerely, Your dutiful nephew J Huntington His Excellency Gov^r Trumbull