Trumbull [undecipherable: probable reading Lebanon] [M^r Huntington / by / McChesler — / the favour of a forward] 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 necessary 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 [strikethrough: troops] 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 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, [strikethrough: being probably] [strikethrough: undecipherable] not to leave home all the time, [it] will 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 necessary 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 [underline: federalism] are necessary 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. Trumbull