[Private & Confidential] Oliver Wolcott Esquire Philadelphia [undecipherable: Phil. 9 Aug] My dear Sir — You are probably apprised that on announcing to the General Officers their appoint[ments they] are told that the emoluments are to be suspended until [they come] into actual Service and that as a consequence of this plan they are to remain inactive — This project suits admirably my private arrangements; by leaving me to pursue m[y] [undecipherable] spirit my profession — But I believe it accords [not] with the intention of the Individuals who framed the law — nor with the good of the Service. [It is] impossible for M^r. Harry to get through [undecipherable] is now upon his hands in a manner honorable [to] himself — Satisfactory to the public — or proportionate to the energy of the conjuncture — You will see by the enclosed that I have sacrificed my delicacy to my friendship & public zeal — I have heard nothing in reply — I thought it expedient that You and [undecipherable] Pickering should understand in confidence the situation of things. Without a change [of] they will not go well and the [Government] and all concerned will be disgraced — [Show this] to Pickering Y[ou]rs truly [undecipherable signature] Philad^a Aug 6. 1798 O Wolcott Eq[uire]