[undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] War Department 5^th Dec^r. 1796 my dear General. I had the honour to receive Last night your letter dated the [undecipherable] of last ult^o. Happy much to [undecipherable] the the step [undecipherable] it contains is [undecipherable]. It would be a most [undecipherable] might [undecipherable] the most extensive & lasting [undecipherable] consequences, were the army to be composed of men who have heretofore opposed the government & its measures, and [undecipherable] on france [undecipherable] and infaciblility. I have a number of applications from and in [undecipherable] of such characters, and shall use [undecipherable] in my power to have those only [undecipherable] in whom their generals will [undecipherable] can place the greatest confidence. With sincere respect & attachment I have the honour to be Genl Washington &^c your ob^t & h^ble ser^t James McHe L^t Generale &c