Woburn 20 of Aug 1798 Dear [undecipherable] [undecipherable] of Woburn who has for [undecipherable] has been Major of [undecipherable] the first Brigade In the 2^d division of the Militia of Mas[undecipherable] [undecipherable] conducted is [that office] with great Miletary propriety in that office. I wishes to be considered a Candidate for an office in the Army of the United States I therefore beg leave to recommend him [to] your [undecipherable] notice & attention and can assure you that his natural Genius & Talent, appear eminently well calculated or adapted to support a Miletary character and has [ever] ever been [a] zealous & pittifull Advocate and Supporter of the Constitution & Government of the United States [undecipherable] have then the honour to be with the [undecipherable] with great respect & Esteem your [undecipherable] Obed^t [undecipherable] most Obedient [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [remainder of document undecipherable due to severe ink bleed-through and document damage]