[uncer[undecipherable] / [undecipherable]roan / August 3. 1790] [numerical notations: 9.0.9 / 4.0.9 / [undecipherable] — 11. / 10. / 0.0.80] New York August 3^d 1790 p 16. Dear Sir / I received yesterday your letter of the [undecipherable] of July — Had my opinion of Col. Talmage actu- ated others, he would be now a Brigadier. I estimate highly his military merit. But an appointment to that grade in first instance will now be difficult if not impracticable. North has not resigned and the probability in my mind is that he will not. Cannot Col. Talmage be prevailed on to accept a Regiment? I exceedingly wish that he may. He ought to contemplate that hereafter a Regiment will be command- ed by a full Colonel and consist of a thousand rank and file. At present the organisation is absurd. It ought to be and no doubt will be changed on the ground as well of econo- my as of military Efficiency With great esteem and regard I remain Dear Sir Your ob^tt Serv^t [signature: A. [undecipherable]]