[12½] Theodore Sedgwick Esq Stockbridge Massachusetts [top right, partially legible: A Hamilton / [undecipherable]] (179,) New York Aug 29. 179[undecipherable] My Dear dr Your letter of the 3. instant came seasonably to hand — Business & absence from this place have delayed the acknowledgement. The persons you mention have been constantly placed before the Secretary, at War As to Military affairs they lag not a little — No appointments of Regimental Officers yet made. The Army as you know is loaded beyond its strength. It [strikethrough: was] an obvious idea to — draw men from among the General Officers — But instead of embracing this resource they have all been told that the President hoped they would think it proper to waive the emoluments of their offices till called into actual service. Steps have been taken toward the correction of this obvious mis[undecipherable] the Success of which now depends on the President — and on that Success the attention of some or no energy — Adieu My D[undecipherable] AHamilton [bottom left margin notation: or Sedgwick [undecipherable]]