30 July 1798 G.Washington

The Secretary of War in Philadelphia Mount Vernon 30 July 1798. Dear Sir, The writer of the enclosed letter, in name and character, is an entire stranger to me;-nor do I know whether by the Law establishing the Cavalry any provision is made, under which such a person could be employed-tho’ certain it is, if Mr. Macharg understand, what he professes to be master of, he might be employed very advantageously in training that part of our force.- I have wrote him to this effect;-adding, that as he is a stranger, his application to the War Office must be accompanied by ample testimonials, not only of his skill in the business he professes, but to his character in all other respects-with which, and my letter to him, he would come properly before you;- and without which, I conceived it wd be useless to apply. I am-Dear Sir-Yr Obed GWashington Secretary of War.