August 22. 1790 In writing freely as I have done yesterday and friday in the inclosed letter to you, disclosing what is contemplated respecting your military station, far from being apprehensive of justly incurring blame, I consider myself as performing a hazardous duty: but I am not conscious that the fear of incurring the displeasure of any man ever deterred me from doing what I conceived to be my duty. My anxiety to see you placed second in command has arisen from the opinion which for 20 years I have entertained of your superiour genius and Talents combined with integrity. The integrity of your composition I trust is also unimpeachable. Gen'l [undecipherable: probable reading "Pinckney"]'s character I believe to be eminently pure: and were these other qualifications equal the substitute would cease — nay there would be an evident [undecipherable] in their [undecipherable]. My interference has not proceeded from any claims you have on my friendship. [undecipherable] we were never to my knowledge for one moment at enmity, our acquaintance was never so intimate as in the proper, strict sense of the word to make us friends. My rational esteem and attachment have been founded on the qualities of your head and [undecipherable: probable reading "heart"] as above suggested: and all the return I expected was the regard due similar to an [underline: honest man.] Viewing me as intitled to this character you will not ascribe to one who knew as well as you my [undecipherable: probable reading "frank"], downright disposition, ascribe to [undecipherable] [undecipherable] the sentiments I have expressed [undecipherable] it was [undecipherable] the subject without expressing them thus much I have thought [undecipherable: probable reading "proper"] to add in [undecipherable] caution and as an apology for the inclosed and [undecipherable] [undecipherable] sending for Washington's letter. I may want it Adieu! [undecipherable] with my colleagues, before the question of rank shall J. Pickering [undecipherable] to the General. Alexander Hamilton Esqe [Aug. 22. 1790 / Pickering [undecipherable] 15[undecipherable]] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable]