[postal notation: way 6] Major General Alexander Hamilton Philadelphia [#46 James [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable]sburg James Armstrong 16 Nov. [17]90 [undecipherable]] [p 233] Trenton Nov. 16^th 1790— Sir, † I would not have troubled you at present had I not been solicited by Letters from M^r S. Livingston friends since I saw you to address you on the subject of his application for a Midshipman place in the Navy — But what M^rs Arm- strong told me you said to her on that head gives me full confidence that nothing will be wanting on your part should that subject come before you while at [undecipherable]. —— Respecting myself I have regretted that I was called out the morning you were at my house, as I wished to have had some conversation on that head — Whether the President may keep my applica[undecipherable] mind amidst the extent of the important concerns of a Nation, I know not — several of the heads of Departments have assured me [strikethrough: they] I shall not be forgotten if any thing suitable should turn up — While they were in Trenton Delicacy kept me from bringing the subject into view — & if your willingness to recommend me should induce you to speak of it, let it be, as it truly is, with every assurance of confidence in their readiness to oblige me — I mention this because I have not written, or spoken to any of them during many months — a civil employment would perhaps be most suitable — but if none is likely to offer — suffer me to suggest one question — will the Pay Master — Muster Master or similar officers be filled from the line — as during our Revolutionary War — imparious circumstances make me thus disclose my soul to you — I have full reliance on your secrecy & your active Interest & with greatest esteem yours &c James St. Armstrong