[undecipherable] [n°55] [PAID] Gen. Alexander Hamilton Esq^re New York [undecipherable] Albany September 19, 1798 [N° 107] [undecipherable: Alexander Hamilton] Sir On Sunday last, I called at your house and was very sorry when informed, you had left the City, on Elizabeth Town, but was shortly expected to return, It was my intention to have called on you again, but the sailing of the vessel that evening prevented me, altho I am not personally acquainted with you, however, I trust you will excuse the liberty I have taken in addressing myself to you, as my hopes & success depends entirely upon you, being the only person to whom are made known my wishes, and in whom I have full confidence. — Some time since I had made known to some of my friends, my inclination for the Army, and have since with [great] pleasure, been informed that when you was last here, application was made to you, for a Lieutenancy for me, in the [undecipherable] by the [United States?], and make no doubt, [it has been attended with] due approbation, I had [proposed?] [not?] also [to] give the subject [more] [undecipherable] [attention,] [as I did] not know [if] any vacancies in the Artillery at that time, but have since been [informed] there are two or three, one I know of which was occasioned by the non acceptance of a Lieutenancy by Joseph [Vale?]. This [latter?] [as I] should prefer an appointment in [the] [Artillery?] and as I am very well acquainted with Cap^t. [Henry] [Sheaffe?], [who] thought an appointment could be obtained in the Artillery, I should be extremely happy if you would take the trouble to apply for me, if the Recommendations you have already [seen?] are not sufficient, I can obtain any further you may wish, be so kind Sir as to inform me [by] post what your Opinion [is] and whether I am like to succeed and how soon, as I am anxious to be employed, and am not willing to engage myself [for?] in [any length?] of time untile I hear from you, if in your Opinion an appointment in the Artillery cannot be obtained for me, I hope one in the Infantry may take place, accept [of] my best wishes for your health and happiness and am Your very Humble Serv^t George Shepherd [undecipherable]