[Copy] New York Sep. 8. 1795. 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 forts. I am sincere in saying that a charge of this kind would on various accounts be unpleasant to [undecipherable] as likely [strikethrough: extremely] to involve all natural circumstan— But [strikethrough: because] I shall not decline the trust if you think proper to repose it provided the [strikethrough: manufacture] of the money is no part of it, equally desirous to be useful to the public and to second you in the objects of your administration * * [Pendleton would also be a good appointment] The idea of organising the volunteer companies in one corps is a good one & if Hoopfe will act by appointment to the command will be eligible & satisfactory. With true often & zeal I have the honor to remain D^r Sir y^r obed^t A Hamilton [G. Day]