[Address panel:] His Excellency Governor Jay Albany [Docket, bottom right:] Gen. Hamilton 8 Sep. 1798 New York Sep. 8. 1798 Dear Sir I beg your pardon for having omitted to attend earlier to the Suggestion in your letter of the 30^th of August respecting the defence of our ports. I am sincere in saying that a share of this kind would upon various accounts be unpleasant to me as likely [strikethrough: scarcely] to involve ill natured anticipa-tion. But [strikethrough: because] I shall not decline the task if you think proper to repose it provided the management of the money is no part of it, equally disposed to be useful to the public and to second you in the objects of your administration * The idea of organizing the volunteer companies in one corps is a good one & if [undecipherable] will act by appointment to the command will be eligible & satisfactory [strikethrough: ...] With true affection & zeal I have the honor to remain D^r Sir Y^r ob^dt A Hamilton [Left margin note:] * And[undecipherable] would also be a good appointment [Bottom left margin:] G. Jay