[To Copy] [Military establishment] (Copy collated) I have received your very friendly and obliging favor of the 16^th inst. — I was very Solicitous to converse with you on the Subject of our military establishment, But, it appeared to me that during your stay in this city, your whole time was occupied with public business and I was unwilling to interrupt you — The only moment I had the pleasure of open conversation I certainly understood it to be your intention to Return to this city in the course of a very few weeks — Indeed it appears to me Indispensable — You are not accustomed to engage in Objects of much moment without consideration and Sir I am persuaded it can be no just [undecipherable] for you, [undecipherable] can merely to execute the feeble ar-rangements of other men — The President has no talent for war, and Mr. Henry is an mountain in distance, and if I am correct, Genl Washington is not to take the field, but in the event of the provisional army being called into Service — you are of course not only charged with the command of the army, But, in a great degree the direction of the war department, and Sir you will permit me to add that the legislative aid necessary for the Support of that department must be arranged by yourself; I therefore conclude that it is yet your intention to visit Phil[adelphia] which precludes the necessity of my going into detail. — [undecipherable: Frankness?] in the honorable pursuit of a military life, I frankly [undecipherable: confess?] my regard for you as a Commander, and my passion for military Service, But my worthy Sir I have seen such dishonorable means employed to wound the feelings of men, of unblemished integrity, and have witnessed so many efforts to render the profession of arms disreputable, that I am disgusted with every thing connected with public life — Situated in a country, in the event of war which most probably will be the Scene of action I have no wish or expectation that it will be my lot to keep out of the field. But Sir I am [undecipherable: sincere?] when I assure you, that it is my fixed determination not to be commanded by Some men now in commission — By this Declaration I wish it to be understood that my objection doth not extend beyond [redacted] in the provisional army, and the field officers in Wilkinson's army. — In any event I entreat you to believe it would give me infinite pleasure to do you all the Service in my power. — Have the goodness to communicate your wishes with Regard to the [undecipherable] of the measures of defence. — With very great regard I am D Sir Your Obdt Servt. James Gunn Philada Dec^r 19^th 1798. — [Genl Hamilton]