[New York. 20^th Oct^r 1798 Alex^r Hamilton Subject of Robert Hamilton] Dear Sir I have received a letter from M^r Goldsborough of the 15^th transmitting me one for Capt Hamilton to notify him of his appointment as a Lieutenant on our navy. This event gives me particular pleasure and claims a renewal of my acknowledgements to you for the obliging part you have taken on the matter. Capt Hamilton is now absent on a visit to Albany. I [strikethrough: now] daily expect him back. On his return, he will be ready immediately to obey the orders of the Department — and I even know it to be his wish, if thought adviseable, in case the Ship for which he may be destined be not ready, to go as a volunteer on board some other, to have the advantage of seeing the course of management on board a Ship of War, with which he is not yet acquainted — With great respect &ple— I have the honor to remain D^r Y^r very Obed^t A. Hamilton Benjamin Stoddert